Scan barcode
coffeestainsandinkspots's reviews
40 reviews
The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
4.5
After two years (literally almost to the day), my journey with Mistborn is finally complete.
Sanderson has earned the distinction of being an author that can make me simultaneously hate a book, but yet still want more. While these are not my favorite books in the world, I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this small part of the Cosmere. I will probably return one day... but I need a bit of a break due to the sheer amount of emotional damage inflicted by the ending of The Lost Metal.
Sanderson has earned the distinction of being an author that can make me simultaneously hate a book, but yet still want more. While these are not my favorite books in the world, I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this small part of the Cosmere. I will probably return one day... but I need a bit of a break due to the sheer amount of emotional damage inflicted by the ending of The Lost Metal.
Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will by Kevin DeYoung
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
"Trusting in God's will of decree is good. Following His will of desire is obedient. Waiting for God's will of direction is a mess." - From Chapter Two
Upon reading this quote, DeYoung had me convinced to continue reading Just Do Something. Overall, I found this book to be healing and helpful. Granted, this book was written in 2009. I would love to read an updated version with new data and thoughts from DeYoung, as it's been 15 years since this book was first published. Regardless of the age, this is a short, approachable book with a wealth of information about appropriately approaching the topic of the will of God.
Upon reading this quote, DeYoung had me convinced to continue reading Just Do Something. Overall, I found this book to be healing and helpful. Granted, this book was written in 2009. I would love to read an updated version with new data and thoughts from DeYoung, as it's been 15 years since this book was first published. Regardless of the age, this is a short, approachable book with a wealth of information about appropriately approaching the topic of the will of God.
The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It's Destructive, and How to Respond by Alisa Childers, Tim Barnett
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
I wish I had this book in my hand a few years ago when I first heard about deconstruction. For many years, there have been debates about how to define deconstruction and what it entails. In this book, Alisa and Tim make an honest (and I think successful) effort to clarify terms and instruct the Church on interacting with this pervasive movement.
The target audience for this book is, by and large, Christians who have questions about deconstruction or are walking alongside a loved one who is going through it. The language is approachable and compassionate. While I felt some of the illustrations used were unnecessary to get the point across, they don't detract from the message. I heartily recommend this book as a helpful tool for all believers.
The target audience for this book is, by and large, Christians who have questions about deconstruction or are walking alongside a loved one who is going through it. The language is approachable and compassionate. While I felt some of the illustrations used were unnecessary to get the point across, they don't detract from the message. I heartily recommend this book as a helpful tool for all believers.
The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
This was probably my favorite Mistborn book so far and it's definitely my favorite out of the Era 2 books. I loved seeing Wax and Steris's relationship develop. And it was satisfying to have Marasi come into her own as a character.
Welcome to Fae Cafe by Jennifer Kropf
emotional
funny
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
Does this book have flaws? Absolutely. Did it have a choke hold on me anyway? Yes... yes it did.
I would not call this a cozy fantasy... maybe cozy adjacent. But there are too many high stakes moments to truly slot this in the "cozy" genre. It was a fun read for me though. The ending was satisfactory and I will happily pick up the sequel when it comes out.
I would not call this a cozy fantasy... maybe cozy adjacent. But there are too many high stakes moments to truly slot this in the "cozy" genre. It was a fun read for me though. The ending was satisfactory and I will happily pick up the sequel when it comes out.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery, Violence, and Kidnapping
Minor: Sexual harassment
One of the minor characters makes an unwelcome move on the female main character. There's several fairy fights that get rather violent. Bronswick kidnaps Kate in an attempt to lure Cress to him. A good chunk of the plot focuses on enchantments and how Kate used an enslavement enchantment to force the fae assassins to work for her. There are discussions/feelings about how ethical that action was.
Promise by Loren G. Warnemuende
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Promise is a worthy conclusion to Daughter of Arden trilogy and to Maleen's story.
We really see Maleen grow into herself as she seeks to follow the will of the Mighty One and do what is right for her people. She wrestles with self-doubt, learns discernment, demonstrates her growth from the last few years, and (delightfully) falls in love. To me, this is the book where Maleen is the most relatable and I learned a lot from her in Promise.
In short, pick up the Daughter of Arden books. It's a wonderful take on an old fairy tale and you'll go on a beautiful journey with Maid Maleen.
We really see Maleen grow into herself as she seeks to follow the will of the Mighty One and do what is right for her people. She wrestles with self-doubt, learns discernment, demonstrates her growth from the last few years, and (delightfully) falls in love. To me, this is the book where Maleen is the most relatable and I learned a lot from her in Promise.
In short, pick up the Daughter of Arden books. It's a wonderful take on an old fairy tale and you'll go on a beautiful journey with Maid Maleen.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, and War
As I mentioned in my previous review of Wandering, this series takes place in a setting that has experienced war and any one who works in opposition of the conquering country risks consequences up to death. We at one point find out that Tranna, one of the minor characters, witnessed her parents torture and death. It is also heavily implied that she was raped. Maleen is also heavily pressured to enter into a marriage and when she refuses, the man verbally harasses her. Maleen's grandfather is a misogynist and makes several comments to her and others that are unkind towards women. The story makes it clear this is not moral behavior.
The Lives of Saints by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Torture, Violence, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Like stories of saints in the Christian faith, the people in these stories meet a variety of ends. Some of them graphic and violent.
A Thousand Mornings: Poems by Mary Oliver
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.5
Exile by Loren G. Warnemuende
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Exile is the first book in what is to be the Daughter of Arden Trilogy. The story follows Princess Marleen of Arden as faces a difficult choice and the consequences of her choice. The choice- to marry a man she does not love or to enter into a specially built tower- is put before her by her father as her nation is facing an approaching war. What follows is a tale of longing, heartbreak, and learning to trust the Mighty One.
This is a very typical first book for a trilogy. The main focus of the plot is to introduce the reader to Marleen, our protagonist, and the conflict that she will be facing. As such, a lot of this book is mostly character development. Exile is a YA novel under 300 pages, so readers should go into it not expecting a Sanderson level of development and worldbuilding. I expect that over the next two books we will see a lot more of Arden and its people. There is also a time span of three years covered in this novel, so be prepared to also go through time jumps.
That being said, I did largely enjoy this book. It has a certain fairy tale quality that makes it compelling. If you are looking for a low/no magic fantasy to read (or read with your children) I would happily direct you to Exile. I look forward to the next two books in the series.
This is a very typical first book for a trilogy. The main focus of the plot is to introduce the reader to Marleen, our protagonist, and the conflict that she will be facing. As such, a lot of this book is mostly character development. Exile is a YA novel under 300 pages, so readers should go into it not expecting a Sanderson level of development and worldbuilding. I expect that over the next two books we will see a lot more of Arden and its people. There is also a time span of three years covered in this novel, so be prepared to also go through time jumps.
That being said, I did largely enjoy this book. It has a certain fairy tale quality that makes it compelling. If you are looking for a low/no magic fantasy to read (or read with your children) I would happily direct you to Exile. I look forward to the next two books in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and War
There are depictions of the aftermath of war on the land of Arden.
After Maleen and Marietta escape from the tower they find that Ardenay has been destroyed. After wandering around for a bit they find that the village worship center has been burned and is filled with bones of people who burned alive with the building.