"To hate the thing that is completing you. To love the thing that is destroying you. What perfect suffering. What hell divine."04-26-24 Complete Review:
"To hate the thing that is completing you. To love the thing that is destroying you. What perfect suffering. What hell divine."
It's safe to say that Empire of the Damned did such a number on me.. it was a couple of weeks before I felt like I could sit down and parse through my feelings. Certainly.. the last novel I read that was this robust.. this well fleshed-out.. was its predecessor.. Empire of the Vampire. After a year and a half, not another title was released that could even approach the weight and emotion of Gabriel de Leon's story.
Book two in the series continues to pull no punches.. and looking forward to the final part of the tale to come.. I find myself eagerly dreading what awaits me as a reader.
Something really interesting happened with Kristoff as this series began. He was already a great writer, but the massive undertaking of weaving so many plotlines and characters together is more than enough to break many other seasoned authors with larger series under their belts. Those of you who know me, also know who I mean. But in this case, the author simply rose to the challenge like a mortal set upon some gods designed path of myth.
For me, Kristoff has joined the ranks of a small select few. Writers so deft of word that their stories can be elegance and destruction on a vast scale that never loses sight of the individual. Storytellers the likes of Neil Gaiman, Anne Rice, Stephen King, and George R.R. Martin.. that can lay siege to the world as a whole.. and still find ways to crush you on a deeply emotional level.. one-to-one.
As an author known for killing off the characters he makes us love, I'm almost more afraid of what lies ahead when some of them survive. What horrible fate will befall them now if they've been given a reprieve?
All of these things continue to be present in book two. I've wept for the Golden One.. softened to the skinwitch.. and been emboldened by the actions of one taking back their power. I've been relieved and crushed again a moment later.. or vice versa.. at revelation after revelation.
I've also seen some things made clear.. finally.. that I've been suspecting for some time, but the final outcome eludes. I don't know what will happen.. only that it will continue to hurt along the way.. and that I cannot wait to experience that.
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01-29-24 / Sampler Review only (Full review coming soon): One thing I feel I can count on with a Kristoff title, is the author does nothing at half-measure. Empire of the Vampire was a bloody, beast of a tale.. and from this massive sampler alone.. I can tell Empire of the Damned is going to be another of its kind.
This story pulls no punches, but that's really another Kristoff trait I've come to count on. The sampler doesn't just tease and leave you before you've grown invested. Honestly, it reads like a small novel in its own right.
The situations are dire, the action sequences are controlled chaos, and at the core of the story.. the beating heart remains ever true. I loved getting a glimpse at how Dior and Gabe's relationship has evolved.. and I really enjoyed the tension filled dynamic between Gabe and some of the other characters at play here.
I am definitely eager to continue reading.. and I know it's going to be a hell of a ride....more
"He had, lying dormant within him, a primal instinct that made him extremely adept at suffering in silence."
Imagine my surprise upon reali"He had, lying dormant within him, a primal instinct that made him extremely adept at suffering in silence."
Imagine my surprise upon realizing this intriguing story was actually a Peter Pan retelling wrapped in uneasy shadows and hidden beneath renamed or severely retooled characters. If not for the name Slightly standing out so strangely to me.. though it was a character I hadn't paid much attention to in the source material.. I might never have known.
In that regard alone, 'Your Blood, My Bones' is probably the most creative retelling of the Neverland story that I've ever come across. The tale is inherently dark and so removed from any familiar setting, that even with Peter in the forefront, I didn't immediately recall Hook's actual first name and Wyatt threw me off completely.
Peter's story here is a tragic one. He's a brooding character for very good reasons and when Wyatt arrives home to deal with her father's legacy, I was completely caught up in the mystery of the farm as well as Peter's very unusual situation. The strange happenings amidst the isolated landscape kept me enthralled and when the truth began to come to light, I was devastated for him.
That being said, like many.. Peter is really the draw for me here. I found Wyatt to be passable at best, but annoying much of the time. Her actions, right up through the end came across as petulent and selfish, despite the whole 'chosen one' premise. I won't go into detail and ruin anything, but the ending really cheapened Peter's experience, in my opinion. ...more
'To Kill a Shadow' by Katherine Quinn is a split POV tale that follows the mingled paths of a Knight Commander named Jude Maddox and Kiara Frey, a you'To Kill a Shadow' by Katherine Quinn is a split POV tale that follows the mingled paths of a Knight Commander named Jude Maddox and Kiara Frey, a young woman from a poor village, whose decision to protect her brother lands her in conscription.
Jude, also known as the Hand of Death, is a brutally scarred warrior who is said to belong to the King. Marked inside and out, he's suffered greatly at the hands of those who should have loved him.. as much or more than he has from the enemies he has encountered. He's considered cold, hard, and unreachable, considering himself as much monster as the beasts he has felled.
Kiara is an outcast in her village. Her connection with anyone left beyond her younger brother, is tenuous at best. Defiant, she's quick to anger and quick to fight, relishing the adrenaline of the challenge.. and that's exactly what puts her in peril.
Though there is an overarching plot and clearly intentions for more in a series, I felt most of the book centered on the characters themselves. Quinn seemed to focus largely on the development of Jude and Kiara.. both as individuals.. and on the story growing between them.
Pacing was moderate.. seemingly to allow time for things to expand between not only the main characters, but the cast of supporting characters as well. As is often the case, for me.. that meant it dragged just a little. Not enough that I ever wanted to stop reading, just enough that it felt like it took me a bit longer to read than it needed to. That's just my personal preference though and in no way does it reflect on the quality of the writing.
That being said, I did feel there were moments the writing felt a little clumsy, but they were mostly brief and really subject to the same things 90% of modern authors seem to struggle with. Transitional moments in relationships and natural dialogue have got to be two of the most common I see. While these emotional transitions were a little off-balance, the dialogue here is largely pretty good.
My only complaint is probably the actual statement that Kiara 'isn't like others.' I mean, we get it. We get tired of it.. but we get it. You don't have to say it. Again, that's personal taste. On that note, Quinn does have a habit of repeating things she doesn't want the reader to miss, which irks me because I pay attention. However, seeing as most readers seem to lose the plot easily, I can understand her choice to do so.
Quinn did do a fantastic job on settings, in my opinion. From the grittiness of the small village, to the opulent, oppressive nature of the Knights home.. and later.. within the mist.. where all manner of vile and carnivorous thing might dwell, her descriptions are visually lush.
I really loved Jude though and Kiara is a pretty good co-lead. I found her to be kind and funny.. and she managed not to annoy me.. which is really what I ask most in a 'strong, female character' design. I do hope Quinn continues the story as I am hooked enough that I want to see what Jude has planned.. and there's a villain I'm waiting to find out about in-depth.
While I will happily recommend a read, there is a fair bit of violence and gore, and some subjects certain readers might find uncomfortable.. as it is a horror fantasy.
10-20: 'A Bright Heart' by Kate Chenli starts out with a bang, mid-betrayal. The reader, much like the MC.. Mingshin, gets a couple of minutes to get their bearings, and then the real story begins. Personally, I'm a fan of these types of whirlwind openings, but it's a little on the brief side.
Things I loved:
Prince Jieh -- While at first he's painted as a bit of a snob and he seems dismissive of the trivialities of other people's lives, his character opens up over time through exposure to Mingshin. What we are shown, I felt was always there as with his best friend, Yao.. and they both turn out to be favorites for me.
Yao -- The prince's best friend is warm, loyal, and light-hearted. I felt like the pair kept each other grounded despite social statuses and their comraderie was a lot of fun. He's probably the most relatable character in the book for me.
The magic system -- Nine types of magic, mirroring the use of this number in other areas of Chinese legends/mythology. I won't be too specific, as I don't want to ruin anything and it isn't overly developed, but it is handled in an interesting way. The imagery of the magic through artwork was one of the highlights though.
Things that could have been better:
Mingshin -- Our main character is likeable enough and has good intentions. She's one of those types who is instantly one of the best at everything though and that always feels a bit silly to me. She's perfectly smart and skilled, but "so plain and looked down upon." Not my trope.
Prose -- From both a descriptive and narrative standpoint, the story felt a bit out of sync. And I don't blame the author here, it's something I'm seeing more and more in current releases.. but it feels incomplete? Lackadaisical? Unfulfilling. Whether the author is describing a setting or having a character convey information, it ends up coming across like a checklist.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. I was rooting for Mingshin and rooting specifically against a couple of other characters, which I'll leave you to discover. Though the topics seem heavy in spots, it's actually a pretty light read, in my opinion and it's well-paced.
If you enjoy Asian fantasy, enemies who might become something more, and stories featuring underdogs.. this is one for you.
11-27: Certainly as many of you know, Olivia Atwater is one of my favorite modern day authors. So, of course I jumped at the opportunity to advance read her upcoming release, 'The Witchwood Knot.'
Taking place in the same world I've come to know and adore.. as the Regency Faerie Tales, Olivia has lead us on a new journey in this.. her Victorian Faerie Tales series. This one's just a little bit darker, with a lovely gothic fantasy setting full of both wonder and chills. Even the cover has a beautiful papercraft feel to the art style that really gives off delicate, antique vibes.
Our main character, Victorian governess Winifred Hall, is charming and relatable. One of the things I love about Olivia's characters is they always feel very natural.. from their flaws to their quirks. There's no over-the-top attempt to make them stand out, they simply do because they come across like very real people.
Winnie doesn't even particularly like children.. or people.. for that matter and she has good reasons for the way she feels. Her backstory is richly textured. She's kind, though not falsely friendly. She's warm with those who have earned her love and trust.
Another of my favorite things about Olivia's writing.. is every character in the book always has a fully-fleshed out personality and story of their own. We may get more or less of it based on their role in the story, but make no mistake.. they are each individuals with a very specific part of the tale to tell.
The character development is as lush as the story itself.
Mr. Quincy, who is an absolute delight in all of his persnickety interactions.. and the clear frontrunner for my favorite in the book, despite my fondness for Winnie. Robert is at first, rather decidedly obnoxious, but as I came to understand his situation.. I liked him very much too. There are plenty of other great characters too.. and the villains are indeed dark-natured, just in a palatable way. For the most part.
As Olivia's writing has such a whimsical ambience, she did surprise me a little with a very morbid reveal about two-thirds or so of the way through. She handles it with her usual grace and eloquence, but I was a bit stunned at the horror of what I came to realize.. and I loved that. In fact, I'm still talking about that one incident in the book, around home.
All in all, it was another wonderful story. She just never fails me as an author. I always know I can count on her for a new tale I'm going to obsess over. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy, romance, historical fiction, or just all around great storytelling. I can see a potential trigger or two here for some people, so if you have any of those.. just dm me and ask.. or do your research first.
Now I need a signed copy.. and hopefully a pretty special edition down the road. *cough* Kickstarter *cough* Fairyloot *cough*.. someone help me before I choke here..
I honestly do not know where to begin with this book, but to say that I loved it. 'Nectar of the Wicked' by Ella Fields is both shockingly dark at timI honestly do not know where to begin with this book, but to say that I loved it. 'Nectar of the Wicked' by Ella Fields is both shockingly dark at times.. and a delicious romp at others.
This author is one to watch. She's adept at layers. Layers of emotion.. layers of deceit.. layers of conflict.. both internal and external.
While the main character is terribly naive throughout the story, she's depicted in a way that it makes sense. Rather than feeling she's just making dumb decisions and being annoyed by her.. I found myself genuinely sympathizing with her. Hurting for her in ways I did not expect.
Her betrothed.. the wicked fae.. is the darkest shade of morally grey. He's also probably the most seductive, domineering male character I've read in years. Even when he's being an outright beast, it's no wonder she struggles to defy him properly.
The story is heavily plot driven with plenty of context as to how and why everyone has found themselves at the point they're at in the tale. There is deep character development.. relationship development.. and not a moment of downtime. I did not want to stop reading this book, even when I had things I needed to do.
Not only does the author write great story, she also writes elaborate steamy scenes. Nothing is awkward in the dynamic between her characters that isn't plainly meant to be. It doesn't matter if the scene is days long or just a few minutes in story time, it never becomes boring. There is passion and connection.. for better or worse. There is visceral spice and moments of something suspiciously close to tenderness. Even her dialogue is great and that's probably the thing I complain about the most in modern writing.
One of my favorite things about Fields, is she's not afraid to go hard. There were times, one in particular, where I thought someone would be spared something terrible.. and they absolutely were not. In fact, the scene was detailed with exquisite slowness. I was both horrified and completely absorbed. I cannot say it enough.. I love an author who does not hold back.
That being said, you might want to check trigger warnings before picking this up if you are sensitive to violence, consent issues, etc.
Personally, I cannot wait for book two. There is a bit of a cliffhanger, but it's at a reasonable point and I went right to Amazon to order my copy. If you like steamy fantasy, intense enemies to lovers tropes, and twisty storytelling.. give this one a try. You will not be disappointed....more
I was a bit slow making my way through this story, but largely that was because initially I was enjoying it so much and I really wanted to absorb everI was a bit slow making my way through this story, but largely that was because initially I was enjoying it so much and I really wanted to absorb every detail.
While the synopsis claims "you're going to hate him until you don't".. for me, it was wrong. I never hated him. He was a bit of a jerk, yes.. but in all the hot ways I enjoy a book's romantic interest.. that don't work out so well in real life.
From the moment Arrow acquires his "disobedient, most valued possession,' he's almost adorably obnoxious and broody. He easily squashes her escape attempts and literally tosses her about, yet all the while I'm over here making grabby hands at him.
She's a brat too, but in mostly endearing ways. Her snarky responses are relatable and funny. For him, she's annoyingly strong-willed and exactly what peaks his interest. Minus the endearing nature and her penchant for throwing herself into trouble over and over, this is pretty much my dynamic in most relationships.. so I get her in ways I don't normally get MCs.
That being said, a little over halfway into the novel I did get a bit tired of her getting herself into the same situations. At some point, you learn a little and at least adapt your approach to things. That's also where reading it really picked up for me because I was no longer as invested as I had been in each moment.
The 'bones' of the tale are all very intriguing. I liked Arrow's backstory, as well as the result that had on his views and behavior. I enjoyed the dynamic between him and the MC.. the constant conflict of emotion.. and the swings between fighting each other and engaging in other more pleasurable past times.
On a side note, when I first read Heart's work about three years ago, I felt like she had a lot of potential and just really needed to get some experience under her belt. She's absolutely done that and her writing has definitely evolved well.
Honestly, though despite my impatience with repeating the damsel-in-distress angle too frequently for my taste, I am now eagerly awaiting book two. If you want a fun, steamy read and enjoy a morally grey love interest, definitely give this one a try....more
03-16: On the surface, this story might just look like a simple story about magic and unplanned romantic entanglements, but it's so much more.
Rook is a brilliant kid, near the end of probably the roughest year he's experienced. He's lost his only relative and been thrust out of the only community he knows. Alone and feeling untethered, he's got a plan to work his way back in. His biggest problem is that none of it is legal.
Despite his situation, he's almost relentlessly positive and incredibly determined to succeed. He's a warm, lovely character who's quick to banter and tries hard to respect personal boundaries, even if he's not as good about that where his boss' work is concerned.
Antonia is his boss. A tremendously powerful sorceress, though she rejects him at first, she ends up taking him on. She's got a history of her own to contend with and she sees something in him at their first meeting that slips beyond her infamously prickly defenses.
I love Antonia and her penchant for bucking the rules. If I'm being honest though, it'd be difficult for me to choose a favorite amongst my top three characters in this book. They're all relatable in their own ways.
Sun. Their name couldn't be more ironic, as they're the grumpy to Rook's sunshine. Largely though, their grumpiness is a defense mechanism. They have a serious need for personal space and they typically struggle to grasp social situations, resulting in them sort of always being on edge. Experience has them expecting ridicule instead of empathy, but they are kind and care so deeply for those they let in.
While this read is mostly light and fun, there are a lot of important topics touched upon too. There are lessons to be learned about gatekeeping, different types of adversity, similarities between diverse people, familial structure, even questioning societal norms.
The story is endearing and I can't wait to read another title from F.T. Lukens because this one really won my heart. Though at first glance, it doesn't 'appear' to be as complex as most titles that I give five star ratings, that complexity is just delivered in a softer.. more reader friendly package. The characters are well-developed, the plot progresses nicely, and there's a lot of diverse representation included amongst the cast of characters.. much of it is never called out.. but rather treated with normalcy and respect.
"We were so close I could make out the specks of gold in his mahogany eyes, the divot in his cheek from a stray spark he'd left there as a reminder. Always the one to chronicle his mistakes with his body."
03-03: It's probably been a year since one of my coven sisters (Rachel or Willow, I know it was one of you, forgive me lol) first brought Carly Spade's books to my attention. At the time it was Hades, which is a character I love in just about any retelling and I still haven't gotten to that book. So, I jumped at the chance to read 'Of Love and Forge,' when it came up in the tour email and I'm so glad I did!
This book is a lot of fun. Just a great romp through a city with cyberpunk vibes where people are enhanced to the nines and barely bat an eye at whatever wild thing is going down nearby.
From a writing standpoint, it's very light, simple, and straightforward. The story moves quickly, the plot isn't overly complex, but there are layers to the lead characters. There's lots of great banter between them, interspersed with action sequences, and some smoldering interactions as well.
I love, love Heph. He's hot as would be expected, a bit grumbly, but with a definite vulnerable side. He's got this wall built from the image as the world has made him see himself, other gods included.. but there's so much more to him than meets the eye.
Ro, as he likes to call her, should be an out of touch personality probably, but despite her spoiled goddess behavior here and there, she's extremely likable and surprisingly relatable at times. She really tries to complicate things for him in the beginning and you come to see that's just the kind of relationship they have had over the centuries.
If you're looking for a break from heavier reads, want to sit down and have a good time, this would be a great book to pick up. It's pretty fast-paced and enjoyable.
01-18: 'Mysteries of Thorn Manor' is the follow-up novella to 'Sorcery of Thorns' and while I realize I've spoiled a bit of book one for myself, admittedly I'm even more eager to read it than I was before. This author's work is well-rounded, filled with whimsy where it fits, remarkable creativity, and just the right amount of dark, foreboding energy.
While there's plenty of familiar themes incorporated within the world-building, the details really shine. Specifically, I found the way the grimoires.. and in general.. magic just left to its own devices for too long, was brilliantly handled. I adore the concepts of space and time.. and the chaotic nature of Rogerson's magic.
Nathaniel is lovely and just my type. He's got the tragic backstory, he's armored with deflection through humor, and he's been left damaged by his past. Damaged, but not broken. Elisabeth, while occasionally displaying traits I'm not wild about in female leads, is still a great character. She's kind and warm, mostly relatable, and has a tendency to sometimes take the blunt approach to a problem. The latter of which is really opposite her usual behavior and gives her a streak of unpredictability I quite enjoy.
All that aside, for some reason Silas is still my favorite character in the story. His actions are in direct conflict with everything he says of himself. Even his darker truths have origin in loyalty, making his choices about how to carry out what he needs to do completely palatable to me. Perhaps strangely, I'm deeply moved by him and I really hope there will be another story to come. There certainly seems to be room for one at the end of the novella.
Though I think I own all of Rogerson's books, in some cases.. more than one copy, this is the first of them I've read and I absolutely loved it....more
10-28: The Arc of the Scythe series has been on my TBR list for some time, and never have I been more sorry that I still haven't read the rest of the books than I am now.
Wow, this set of stories from the world of the Scythedom is a stunner.
Rife with cautionary tales, as well as political, social, and economical parallels to issues already plaguing society, it's difficult to imagine Shusterman didn't intend to place some eye-opening commentary in the hands of the readers. I find this is often the case with the more cerebral fantasy and science fiction authors and the result is a more unnerving dystopia than one might otherwise experience.
This particular addition to the series is made up by a variety of stories that follow different Scythes, touching significant moments in their lives. For some, their origin may be revealed, while for others.. we get a glimpse of their comeuppance. Herein lies one of my favorites, but that's in no way to diminish any of the others.
Gleanings is dark and sometimes surprising. Shusterman's Scythes are both beautiful and terrible, sometimes all at once, and I can't wait to go back and read the rest of the series. His writing is elegantly crafted, complex enough to really hook me, and his stories are bold. He's unafraid to paint his stories brightly with discomforting truths, yet creative enough to allow the reader just enough breathing room so they're not simply overwhelmed with the possibilities of the future.
The lines between realistic outcomes and fantasy are blurred expertly and I couldn't recommend this series more highly. ...more
09-20: When I first came across The Witch and the Tsar in the releases for this year, I had a feeling it was going to be something special and Gilmore does not disappoint.
It is at it's core, a historical fiction fantasy based around some 'what-if' scenarios with the Romanov family, following the path of the folklore legend, Baba Yaga. The immortal witch is nothing like the hideous descriptions she's known as and Anastasia, now all grown up with a family of her own, is everything the hearts of those who deify her believe she could have become.
Yaga is a strong, genuinely independent female protagonist, who manages to wield power with empathy and kindness and still come across as someone who can hold their own in most situations. She's indelibly human, despite being a demi-goddess.. capable of mistakes that are all too relatable, but she learns and adapts, persevering throughout them.
Gilmore paints a stunning picture of both the beauty and brutality of sixteenth century Russia. From the architecture of old Moscow to the trenches of what is ultimately civil war, her prose is eloquent, yet not overly flowery. There's a coolness to the Eastern European storytelling style that I just love, which tends more toward the discussion of feelings than the dramatic expression of them. There are moments of course, where both occur, but I find the former to make the latter far more impactful than in a story where the main character is constantly on an emotional rollercoaster.
The magic system is creative and diverse. That which seems good or evil might simply be leveraged in some way, as the development of even many of the briefest meetings we get with characters is rich with substance and vitality.
I absolutely loved this book. If you like complex layered storytelling, characters that aren't always what they seem, dark fantasy, and Slavic themes.. give this one a try. You'll be glad you did.
05-16: Drawn to this book by the rather traumatic experience laid out in the synopsis, I was eager to get to know Kohl and see how he had dealt with what had been done to him. I was also curious what kind of 'civilization' was in place that could set that type of trauma in motion. In what world did the act of clipping the wings of a fae and stripping them of their magic.. seem acceptable?
Most of all, I was curious as to what horrible thing he'd done to be condemned this way. The answer to that last question was shocking actually, leaving me feeling for him immediately. Nevermind the fact he is beautiful and highly sought after for his 'company.' It's an empty kind of admiration and there are things happening behind the scenes that don't quite match up.
Bree, the main character which we follow throughout the story, was the one aspect I really struggled to like. I understand that she grew up a result of her circumstance, just like Kohl, and that certain biases were at play due to that upbringing. I get that at first, there would be doubts and distrust, but there are points in the story where I strongly disliked the way she treated their kind and Kohl in particular. Certainly there were times when I felt she should have known better or given benefit of the doubt to someone, rather than passing the harshest judgements and hurling cruel comments at them.
There's a fairly uncommon dynamic at play between the humans and fae, which I really enjoyed overall and the enemies-to-lovers trope is well done. Knight made a lot of interesting, bold choices with the direction of the story that I felt other authors might shy away from, leaving me both impressed and excited to see more of her work.
Despite my personal conflict over Bree, I loved the story and I'll be keeping an eye out for more!
05-03: 'Bravely' by Maggie Stiefvater might just be the sleeper hit of the year for me. I certainly loved the original Disney film and its fiery princess, but as this was my first full Steifvater novel.. I wasn't prepared for the depths I was about to slip into.
It isn't that the story starts off slowly per se, so much as.. it seems innocuous enough at the beginning. The time spent setting up focuses on the connection to the original tale as well as a sort of.. update as to where things stand now. We're given ample time to reacquaint ourselves with the family and their way of life.. to get used to the mostly content.. if somewhat lackadaisical existence they've meted out for themselves. Our princess however, is restless as ever.
When the threat makes itself apparent, it comes softly.. on hushed steps muffled by the gauzy cocoon of winter.. and that's really the elegance of the story. Throughout, as motives and histories are revealed, each revelation is delivered with precision.. yet it doesn't boom. It simply falls delicately into place like the snow.
As the story progresses, the pace definitely increases as well. Time is running out for Merida to accomplish her task and the beat of the writing is an undercurrent driving us along like the pounding of a heart struggling not to fail.
Ultimately, I became deeply invested in the characters Stiefvater brought to life. Not just Merida and her family, who are at once both flawed and wonderfully wholesome.. but also in Feradach and the machinations of the Cailleach.
I love that the author doesn't shy away from tragedy. This story is equal parts hope and dread.. misfortune and blessing. The balance constantly trying to right itself, which is actually perfect for the tale it has to tell.
04-12: I've been so excited for 'Shadows Fallen,' the new release by Sherrilyn Kenyon in the Dark Hunter universe.. more specifically a Dream Hunter novel. It's been such a long time coming and the road has been a rough one for her, but she remains one of my favorite novelists and I couldn't be happier with her latest book.
As this is just the first in the trilogy leading up to Jaden's book, I'm already heavily invested. Jaden was one of my favorites already.. and though I did get one glimpse of my absolute #1 Dark Hunter here, I'm hoping for a lot more of that too.
Valteri is wonderful. If anyone wondered if Kenyon would still be able to tug at their heart strings with ease, let me assure you.. she can. Only a handful of pages into the first chapter, I knew he was going to have a horrible backstory and probably an unpleasant immediate future as well. He's gruff on the outside (though not as much as Zarek.. who I also adore) and a squishy soft marshmallow man on the inside. In other words, he's easy to love.
Since life caused me to fall behind on a few books in the latter part of the series, there were some revelations here for me regarding some of the other characters that we'd met earlier on. Though, that has only spurred my need to go back and catch up.
Ariel is a really sweet character and she means well, but man.. if there is something she could have done to make his journey unintentionally any more difficult.. I have no idea what it would have been. In addition to all the scheming from the enemies, she just makes bad decision after bad decision when it comes to Valteri.
I did enjoy my return to the Dark Hunter universe though and I can't wait to see what lies ahead on this path to the Broker we all know and love.
Nothing quite feeds the soul like a good Faustian bargain tale.
I know I'm very late getting to read 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' by V.E. SchwabNothing quite feeds the soul like a good Faustian bargain tale.
I know I'm very late getting to read 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' by V.E. Schwab, but last year was a wild ride and though it remained top of the 'things I want to do' list.. it just didn't happen.
Nonetheless, I'm glad I kept working toward having time for this read.
You know.. it's funny, as a rule.. I'm not a fan of 'historical fiction,' but Schwab doesn't rely on the language of old to set the time period. She creates that through vivid imagery of the world around Addie.. both the visuals of those small towns and big cities.. and the textures of life within them.
Deep down, I think Addie speaks to most of us. Whether we want to admit it or not, we know that path is short.. and often by circumstance, it's more limited in where it might take us than we would want it to be. I understand making hard decisions that lead to deeper struggle in order to step off those given paths and start creating one of your own. I understand the desire for legacy and all the ways one can mean that.
Throughout this story, Schwab does a beautiful job of dancing between eras. Shifting the narrative timeline effortlessly, she never loses the reader's interest or leaves you in a position where you need to go back and re-read to understand something. She leads you expertly along, developing every inch of her literary space. From Addie, to Luc and Henry, to Henry's friends and beyond.. the relationships are like the surface of a lake.. rippling ever outward from the core of her tale. All connected, all consistent, all consuming.
This was my first V.E. Schwab read, but it most certainly will not be my last. While the book felt dense, every few pages leaving me kind of exhausted.. it wasn't because it was slow. The pacing was perfect actually. There was simply so much emotional content to process, that it really took me to the mat.. so to speak.
I'm not sure I fell for the character that I was supposed to, but maybe I'm not alone out here. Addie was lovely in the way she constantly strived for more.. in the way she refused to back down.. and fought for what she wanted. Henry.. oh Henry was indeed a bit of a heartbreaker.. and those of you who have read the story know why. But Luc.. I am most sad and weary over Luc.. is that wrong?
Anyway, this beautiful book was worth every moment. It makes me glad I invested in.. oh I don't know.. probably 8-10 copies or so? Gallant.. here I come.
I count myself amongst the fortunate to have discovered Olivia Atwater's work a few short years ago and she remains with each new tale, one of my favoI count myself amongst the fortunate to have discovered Olivia Atwater's work a few short years ago and she remains with each new tale, one of my favorite modern authors. Whether the story is framed in darkness or light, her signature whimsical tone never allows it to drift too far into either direction. The narrative is always fun, even when danger is at hand.
Her latest release, 'Small Miracles,' is no exception. While she has said that it takes a "bit of inspiration" from 'Good Omens,' it's in no way the same kind of story. Sure, there are souls at risk and a bit of the old push and pull between the forces of Heaven and Hell, but other than the rather prickly love than can exist between brethren who both adore and simultaneously irk one another.. that's where the resemblance ends.
Gadriel is our main character. A fallen angel of petty temptations, they really mean no one any harm despite their job.. satisfied instead with nudging mortals here and there into tiny transgressions that tend to lead to happier lives than futures of damnation. Honestly, they're absolutely charming and they break my heart a little in this book.
While the story delves into substantial themes of love and grief, it does so lightheartedly. There's always a sense of hope that things will turn out okay somehow, though there are times when it exists solely because Gadriel or their angelic bookie, Berachiel are desperately clinging to it.
Holly is sweet and complex, as is her niece. Though Miss Harker seems predominantly virtuous, there are sorrowful reasons for the path she's on.. and while Ella can be brusque, that comes from a place born of pain too.
Despite all the heaviness in the lives of those this story follows, it's not a sad story at all. It's filled with moments of joy and triumph, petty pranks, and general wickedness the likes of which are highly amusing.. and not at all offensive. I loved this book with all my heart and can only hope we might get another glimpse into Atwater's world of the divine.. down the road.
(I received this title as an ARC, but also purchased a copy. All opinions are mine and freely given.)...more
I feel like we waited forever to get our hands on the second Crescent City book, House of Sky and Breath, by Sarah J. Maas. I know it wasn't actually I feel like we waited forever to get our hands on the second Crescent City book, House of Sky and Breath, by Sarah J. Maas. I know it wasn't actually that long, but I'd become so attached to the characters and so much was left hanging in the balance that it was definitely my most eagerly awaited sequel this year.
She certainly didn't disappoint in regards to content, the book is chock full of action and drama.. in fact, a lot happens within the scope of just one book.. and all my favorite characters make an appearance. Well, the surviving ones thus far. Plus, I got to know some really intriguing new ones.. and not all of them are pleasant.
As I said, Maas really covered a lot of ground from a plot perspective. I don't feel like anything left from book one was really tied up, but this is a middle book and I'm fine with that. In fact, I almost feel like too much happened because there were scenes I think could have and should have played out in more detail. Scenes which could have really impacted me emotionally like the first book did, but instead.. I had one moment of dread toward the end and then it was over.
It's important to remember that it's really difficult to balance such a huge cast of characters and a story with so many diverging plotlines. Honestly, I'm impressed Maas can keep it all straight. I feel like even with a pinboard of note cards looking like I was on an FBI taskforce, I'd still miss things.
That being said, I think book two could have benefitted from maybe being spread into the next book. I know we all love Ruhn and wanted more of him, but I also feel like he got a bit short-changed by starting to get some focus in the middle of what's all happening here. Maas is still trying to give the fans a lot of Hunt and Bryce, which is fair.. while introducing us to Ruhn's life a bit more, but there are a lot of side stories going on at the same time.. a lot of seeds being planted for the next book.
In fact, it feels like there's so much going on and so many things being set-up, that almost nothing gets proper focus EXCEPT Hunt and Bryce. It was great to get steamy with them, but I don't know that three scenes were really necessary when so many other things didn't play out in as much detail. There were scenes that could have been so impactful if given enough time and care.
Highlights for me definitely included getting a better look at the familial structures and the ripple effect that Sandriel left behind. I loved the direction Maas went regarding the afterlife, it may have been my favorite aspect of HoSaB.. and the reveals about the Asteri, also fantastic.
Baxian and Pollux are fascinating for different reasons, same with the rest of the 'newcomers.' I am hopeful that Maas will really let some of the characters out to play in the next book, as it felt like she was holding back a bit here. Lots of mention of their histories and reputations, but no real opportunity to see them at work. I feel like I would have a better chance to connect with them.. for better or worse.. if those characters were truly present in who they're painted as being, but even moments where they act out.. feel very half-hearted.
The one problem that I felt was an issue in House of Earth and Blood, does rear its head here too. The big scene near the end is basically a complete download of information during a conversation.. and with all the other great writing.. it just ends up feeling very lazy. But, at least there's some very interesting implications in the final pages..
Regardless, I did love the book and I can't wait for the next one. Here we go again.. the countdown begins.
I'm a big fan of world mythologies, so.. naturally I was incredibly excited when Sue Lynn Tan's 'Daughter of the Moon Goddess' was announced.
Inspired by the legends of Chang'e, the Chinese goddess of the moon, Tan puts her own unique spin on the origin.. and turns it from a classic parable into something more tragic and heartfelt. While the choice certainly allowed me to be more invested in the result of Chang'e's story, something still feels slightly off about this story.
Of course, I enjoyed the rich use of symbolism and the relatively elegant prose. Unfortunately, I also felt like most of my favorite quotes were simply modernly rephrased proverbs, rather than the creative nature of the author.
Initially, there's a burst of urgency.. spiriting Xingyin away from all that she has known. Due to that, there's not a lot of time spent on side character development which I kept expecting to change, but for the most part.. it never did. Prince Liwei might be the only real exception to that and so, he's also the only other character I really felt able to connect with.
Ironically, it feels like we get to know the Empress better than any of the other tertiary characters, including those we see in day to day events. All of which really just leads to a feeling of imbalance within the story. There are so many potentially interesting characters, some of which are clearly meant to be moving.. that just don't do anything for me because of the lack of evolution.
Overall, the story just appears more substantial than it is to me, and I feel a bit sad about it. I'm always happy to see representation of my mixed-Asian heritage in modern media and if I'm being fair, Tan did a much better job than some of the bigger names out there. But as lovely as the story is, it's still only slightly more than mediocre.. and I'm on the hunt for that author who will achieve the extraordinary.
Over the last year or so I've come to realize I have a fondness for fantasy novels that deal with performative magic in some way. So, it came as no suOver the last year or so I've come to realize I have a fondness for fantasy novels that deal with performative magic in some way. So, it came as no surprise when I got my first glimpse at the synopsis for 'Hotel Magnifique' by Emily J. Taylor, that I felt immediately drawn to the story.
Swelling with enchantments, nothing is what it seems to be beyond the threshold of the hotel. Often, even the simplest of tasks are complex spells at work, but for those things deemed too unimportant to waste magic on.. there are employees to handle the details. Though, I hesitate to call anything that goes on behind the hotel's black lacquered door.. regular, they're as close as it comes.
Jani is our main character, a feisty.. devoted sister to young Zosa who is hired as a singer. While I appreciate her loyalty and desire to right wrongs, her inner monologues and dialogue border on annoying for me. Luckily, that's not even really a complaint, however.
Bel is probably the gem of the story in my eyes, though of course I often tend to connect better with a side character and this is no exception. Mysterious and playful from the beginning, the more we get to know him, the more likable he is. Likewise for Beatrice and Hellas, though sometimes interactions between the characters feel a little clunky.
The book does feature an interesting trinket-based magic system, which allows the author room to be creative and results in numerous different abilities, which I love. In addition to the threat posed by the antagonist, the hotel is constantly changing and traveling to a new location every day.. not only keeping the setting fresh and interesting, but also creating some more challenges along the way.
Though there are moments where the story feels a little choppy, I honestly think it's just because Taylor is keeping so many proverbial plates spinning at the same time. There's a lot going on at all times within the hotel, layers of mystery and I really enjoyed the journey the author took us on.
While there is plenty of beauty and whimsical magic at play, there's also plenty of darkness. Gruesome, cruel acts take place that actually kind of surprised me a little. So.. if you're squeamish, keep that in mind.
If you're a fan of Caraval, Where Dreams Descend, or Night Circus.. you'll probably enjoy this book as well. ...more
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