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elisa_menz's reviews
149 reviews
Blood witch dragon by K. Panikian
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I'll start this review by saying I don't share the collective adoration for fae stories. I don't reject them, but I've never been tempted by them. Then comes this book. I'm familiar with this author's work so I was intrigued and the description caught my fickle attention: a mother in a quest to rescue her children from Fae lands and a myriad of fantastical and dangerous creatures.
Things start in a very mundane way, with Willa and her twins living the best life possible after their father took off the second he realized she was pregnant. Luckily, this douche's mother came to the rescue and took the three of them under her wings. End of mundanity. Enters loads of magic.
Willa tiptoes into this inexplicable world where folklore and fairy tales slap her in the face. At some point, if she kept saying "there's no such thing as *insert any magical creature here* I would have suggested therapy. Luckily for everyone involved, she gets over this pretty quickly and gets to work. Because no one is leaving her behind like a damsel in distress! Willa will charge ahead and save her children, other people's children, and a few strangers in the process. I'm not saying this lightly, since Willa's kindness and courage are some of the main catalysts for many interesting developments in this story (I'll stop before I spoil).
I liked Shane as a partner. Lovely guy, a bit lost, but nice anyway.
But Kalo. Before reading this book I never would have thought I would be pinning for a goblin. Yes. You read that right. Sexy goblin up ahead. Omg... is this how you start reading Monster Romance?!
I would argue this book has some slow moments, but they don't overshadow the awesomeness.
Jump through a fairy ring into another world. Check.
Train your swordfight skills with a goblin prince. Check.
Flirt with said goblin prince. Double-check.
Date a berserker shape-shifter tasked with protecting your family. Oh, yes! Check.
Eat your enemies. Check... wait, what?!
Things start in a very mundane way, with Willa and her twins living the best life possible after their father took off the second he realized she was pregnant. Luckily, this douche's mother came to the rescue and took the three of them under her wings. End of mundanity. Enters loads of magic.
Willa tiptoes into this inexplicable world where folklore and fairy tales slap her in the face. At some point, if she kept saying "there's no such thing as *insert any magical creature here* I would have suggested therapy. Luckily for everyone involved, she gets over this pretty quickly and gets to work. Because no one is leaving her behind like a damsel in distress! Willa will charge ahead and save her children, other people's children, and a few strangers in the process. I'm not saying this lightly, since Willa's kindness and courage are some of the main catalysts for many interesting developments in this story (I'll stop before I spoil).
I liked Shane as a partner. Lovely guy, a bit lost, but nice anyway.
But Kalo. Before reading this book I never would have thought I would be pinning for a goblin. Yes. You read that right. Sexy goblin up ahead. Omg... is this how you start reading Monster Romance?!
I would argue this book has some slow moments, but they don't overshadow the awesomeness.
Jump through a fairy ring into another world. Check.
Train your swordfight skills with a goblin prince. Check.
Flirt with said goblin prince. Double-check.
Date a berserker shape-shifter tasked with protecting your family. Oh, yes! Check.
Eat your enemies. Check... wait, what?!
Emma's Story by Nils Ödlund
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The best word to describe this book is magical. It read like a fairy tale of old, those that were supposedly for children but can break a very adult heart.
The simplicity of the anfylk's way of life balanced against Emma's fears and emotions was a magnificent contrast. I enjoyed the cozy beauty of the village, the forest, and the people, but suffered alongside Emma for all the injustice and doubts she endured.
The end left me brokenhearted. No bittersweet silver lining. Still, lovely.
The simplicity of the anfylk's way of life balanced against Emma's fears and emotions was a magnificent contrast. I enjoyed the cozy beauty of the village, the forest, and the people, but suffered alongside Emma for all the injustice and doubts she endured.
The end left me brokenhearted. No bittersweet silver lining. Still, lovely.
A Path of Branches: The Mindbridge Trilogy Book 2 by Joe Luegers
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Lucky me, I'm on a streak of reading AMAZING books!
When reading a new series I'm always wary to start the dreaded second book, because sometimes they don't live up to the first one's hype. Not the case here! A Path of Branches widely surpasses its predecessor in both action and character development.
The stakes rise to a hair of becoming farfetched and end up being just breathtaking. Honestly... "I exhaled a breath I didn't realize I was holding" was my default mode while reading.
Once again we have two teenage girls who are the only hope to save the world (both worlds). Despite the common YA trope, Kaija and Maeryn feel real. They feel REASONABLE. They traverse danger and hard choices as a teen would do: afraid, dubious, and wounded. So many things that could have ended up being cliché, are not. There are no magical-came-out-of-nowhere solutions here. There are some great moments of self-discovery and rage/fear-induced power that accomplish little to nothing. Responsible adults are pretty involved in all of this save-the-world drama and no one is making the children decide whether everyone lives or dies. Love doesn't conquer all. It kind of ruin stuff in a beautiful way.
I loved the humor. I loved the world-building. Jerkbirds are my new favorite fantasy animal.
There's still a book III coming, and after that ending, I need answers.
When reading a new series I'm always wary to start the dreaded second book, because sometimes they don't live up to the first one's hype. Not the case here! A Path of Branches widely surpasses its predecessor in both action and character development.
The stakes rise to a hair of becoming farfetched and end up being just breathtaking. Honestly... "I exhaled a breath I didn't realize I was holding" was my default mode while reading.
Once again we have two teenage girls who are the only hope to save the world (both worlds). Despite the common YA trope, Kaija and Maeryn feel real. They feel REASONABLE. They traverse danger and hard choices as a teen would do: afraid, dubious, and wounded. So many things that could have ended up being cliché, are not. There are no magical-came-out-of-nowhere solutions here. There are some great moments of self-discovery and rage/fear-induced power that accomplish little to nothing. Responsible adults are pretty involved in all of this save-the-world drama and no one is making the children decide whether everyone lives or dies. Love doesn't conquer all. It kind of ruin stuff in a beautiful way.
I loved the humor. I loved the world-building. Jerkbirds are my new favorite fantasy animal.
There's still a book III coming, and after that ending, I need answers.
Identity Crisis: Book One of the Arbiter Trilogy by Clayton Pulsipher
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
4.0
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What an exciting debut novel! The first installment of the Arbiter Trilogy regals you with great world-building (or is it universe-building?), a variety of alien races, and a multiple-POV adventure that hardly slows down on the action.
Despite all the razzle and dazzle of spaceships and alien monsters, it's in concepts like a hive mind and synthetic intelligence this novel shines. It raises some interesting questions about the unhinged advancement of technology and the moral grounds some people are willing to stomp on in the name of "progress."
I recommend this to SciFi fans. You'll find a refreshing mix of Avatar and Star Wars with a sprinkle of The Martian at the end.
What an exciting debut novel! The first installment of the Arbiter Trilogy regals you with great world-building (or is it universe-building?), a variety of alien races, and a multiple-POV adventure that hardly slows down on the action.
Despite all the razzle and dazzle of spaceships and alien monsters, it's in concepts like a hive mind and synthetic intelligence this novel shines. It raises some interesting questions about the unhinged advancement of technology and the moral grounds some people are willing to stomp on in the name of "progress."
I recommend this to SciFi fans. You'll find a refreshing mix of Avatar and Star Wars with a sprinkle of The Martian at the end.
Heart of Dragons by Ash Oldfield
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
While we enjoyed the magic academy setting of the first two books, the third and final installment in the Rachaya Series takes us on a hero's journey in search of mythical creatures and a lost city.
It was a great change of pace and the trials Rachaya and her friends had to endure made the loss of the awesome dragon school worth the while.
My absolute favorite part of this book was the battle for Parazen. It was grueling and heartbreaking, which made all the turns and surprises even more exciting.
I would have loved more time with each character. Morhol, Mikel, Naz, and Hektor were great and deserved more "screen time".
I'm glad I stumbled upon this story and I will be recommending it to fans of dragons, magic schools, and strong female leads.
It was a great change of pace and the trials Rachaya and her friends had to endure made the loss of the awesome dragon school worth the while.
My absolute favorite part of this book was the battle for Parazen. It was grueling and heartbreaking, which made all the turns and surprises even more exciting.
I would have loved more time with each character. Morhol, Mikel, Naz, and Hektor were great and deserved more "screen time".
I'm glad I stumbled upon this story and I will be recommending it to fans of dragons, magic schools, and strong female leads.
The Willow Rise Six by Alan Leuthe
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
The Willow Rise Six has joined the selected few books that belong to a genre I don't usually read but totally blew my mind.
While the plot is straightforward with a few exciting moments, it's in the characters' construction where this story shines. Told from multiple POVs and with constant flashbacks, the story weaves five different perspectives from heavily troubled characters. The sheer beauty of the writing kept me glued to the pages of what I believe to be this author's debut novel.
A true masterpiece from start to finish.
While the plot is straightforward with a few exciting moments, it's in the characters' construction where this story shines. Told from multiple POVs and with constant flashbacks, the story weaves five different perspectives from heavily troubled characters. The sheer beauty of the writing kept me glued to the pages of what I believe to be this author's debut novel.
A true masterpiece from start to finish.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, and Death of parent
Minor: Genocide, Racism, and Abandonment
The Simple Delivery by Andrew Claydon
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book was on my radar for a while until I couldn't resist my curiosity anymore. I love fantasy but (please don't kill me) it can be exhausting to read sometimes. This book is refreshing in so many ways! I loved the way the author didn't overwhelm the reader with heavy worldbuilding but still managed to create a believable world.
Messages from the Gods through a severely unreliable channel? We can work with it.
Vampires? Sure!
Non-binary, shape-shifting damsels in distress? "Call me a damsel again and you'll learn what distress really means!"
Nicolas is the ultimate reluctant hero. He never changes his mind about his distaste for adventure. On the other hand and much to his dismay, he isn't the kind of guy who can turn his back on other people's pain. He's a goody-two-shoes but one we can relate to. He will save the day, complain thoroughly, and won't enjoy a second of it.
Definitely recommend this to anyone with a sense of humor.
Messages from the Gods through a severely unreliable channel? We can work with it.
Vampires? Sure!
Non-binary, shape-shifting damsels in distress? "Call me a damsel again and you'll learn what distress really means!"
Nicolas is the ultimate reluctant hero. He never changes his mind about his distaste for adventure. On the other hand and much to his dismay, he isn't the kind of guy who can turn his back on other people's pain. He's a goody-two-shoes but one we can relate to. He will save the day, complain thoroughly, and won't enjoy a second of it.
Definitely recommend this to anyone with a sense of humor.
Lorden Awakening by Krislee Ellsworth
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
4.75
It's been a while since I read a fantasy novel that feels like a "classic". Elemental magic and the Hero's Journey make Lorden Awakening a fulfilling read, with multiple POVs of young men and women who are thrown into a hostile world.
I particularly enjoyed the magic description and the effects it has on nature. I swear I fantasize about things like this!
It starts a bit slow, but Anaver and Rothrin's journey takes a dangerous and action-packed turn. I don't envy the position Sennery finds herself at the end, and that turn of events shocked me as much as it did her.
I'm looking forward to reading more about this magical world!
I particularly enjoyed the magic description and the effects it has on nature. I swear I fantasize about things like this!
It starts a bit slow, but Anaver and Rothrin's journey takes a dangerous and action-packed turn. I don't envy the position Sennery finds herself at the end, and that turn of events shocked me as much as it did her.
I'm looking forward to reading more about this magical world!
Along the Perimeter: Amboy Book One by Steven Healt
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
4.25
May I begin by saying, the worldbuilding in this book is absolutely stunning!
It can be a little confusing at first, the mix between what feels like a medieval-ish setting, sprinkled with technology and evidence of a "modern" past. Reminded me a lot of The Shannara Chronicles with fewer elves and more aliens.
It took me a while to get my bearings and start to truly enjoy the story. The political drama slowly unveils and the jumps between POVs make it a slow-paced read. However, once all the pieces are in place you just can't let go.
Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Cordelia, Carter, and the Amber Waves.
It can be a little confusing at first, the mix between what feels like a medieval-ish setting, sprinkled with technology and evidence of a "modern" past. Reminded me a lot of The Shannara Chronicles with fewer elves and more aliens.
It took me a while to get my bearings and start to truly enjoy the story. The political drama slowly unveils and the jumps between POVs make it a slow-paced read. However, once all the pieces are in place you just can't let go.
Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Cordelia, Carter, and the Amber Waves.
Song of the Sea by Duckie Mack
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
This book comes to confirm what I love the most about Duckie Mack's writing. Her characters are absolutely wonderful! Calder and Denver share a beautiful relationship and the way they care about each other never fails to warm my heart. This is the kind of book you read when you want to feel good about the world.
Not everything is romance and sexy mermen. There's a vital environmental message intertwined with their history, and Calder's desire to do good beyond what is asked of him is something we should all strive to achieve. Empathy and hard work are what will save our world.
Not everything is romance and sexy mermen. There's a vital environmental message intertwined with their history, and Calder's desire to do good beyond what is asked of him is something we should all strive to achieve. Empathy and hard work are what will save our world.