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enchantedfiction's reviews
202 reviews
The Sky on Fire by Jenn Lyons
adventurous
tense
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? Yes
3.5
*Thank you, Macmillan, for the audiobook copy!*
Gimme dragons, and I'm in. I have been wanting more dragon books, and this one did not disappoint in that department. I liked that the dragons were more or less the superior race, but that that didn't come without a cost. I also liked that there were more than just dragons and humans and that there was a more complex world. There was also a lot going on, which sometimes I felt was a little hard to follow, but for the most part, I feel like I know all of what happened. Sometimes, I would get characters' names mixed up as well, but that might have just been a me problem.
This one took me longer than most audiobooks to get through despite being a longer audiobook already. For me, I think I was getting burned out on audiobooks so I had to take almost a month off from listening and I ended up picking up a different audiobook when I was about halfway through this one for a change of genre. I don't listen to a ton of fantasy. Usually, I physically read them, so I'm not sure if that's what my problem was or if I was just burned out. Regardless, it was pretty easy to do with this one, so that to me means I wasn't overly excited about it. I felt like I was being pulled in a lot of different directions during the course of the story, like it couldn't settle on which plot it wanted to follow. I feel like it did eventually come together and msde sense, but for a good chunk of the middle, it just was kind of all over the place.
*SLIGHT SPOILER* - also, if I spelled any names wrong I apologize. I listened to the book, not physically read it
I would be interested to see where this one goes and to see what happens with the characters. I feel like the Anarod, Rizz, and Sicarion thruple could be a really fun and banter filled relationship!
Gimme dragons, and I'm in. I have been wanting more dragon books, and this one did not disappoint in that department. I liked that the dragons were more or less the superior race, but that that didn't come without a cost. I also liked that there were more than just dragons and humans and that there was a more complex world. There was also a lot going on, which sometimes I felt was a little hard to follow, but for the most part, I feel like I know all of what happened. Sometimes, I would get characters' names mixed up as well, but that might have just been a me problem.
This one took me longer than most audiobooks to get through despite being a longer audiobook already. For me, I think I was getting burned out on audiobooks so I had to take almost a month off from listening and I ended up picking up a different audiobook when I was about halfway through this one for a change of genre. I don't listen to a ton of fantasy. Usually, I physically read them, so I'm not sure if that's what my problem was or if I was just burned out. Regardless, it was pretty easy to do with this one, so that to me means I wasn't overly excited about it. I felt like I was being pulled in a lot of different directions during the course of the story, like it couldn't settle on which plot it wanted to follow. I feel like it did eventually come together and msde sense, but for a good chunk of the middle, it just was kind of all over the place.
*SLIGHT SPOILER* - also, if I spelled any names wrong I apologize. I listened to the book, not physically read it
I would be interested to see where this one goes and to see what happens with the characters. I feel like the Anarod, Rizz, and Sicarion thruple could be a really fun and banter filled relationship!
The Bloody Key: A Bluebeard Retelling by L.J. Thomas
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
*Thank you LJ Thomas for the copy for an honest review!*
This had me at Bluebeard retelling. As it is a lesser known fairytale, I personally have not seen many retellings, though I have always thought it would be an interesting one to be re-told. Although it is one of the darker fairytales, it is pretty perfect for reading during spooky season!
I enjoyed the style, written as diary entries from our main character, Anne, Bluebeard's own personal writings, and the occasional letter written by Leisl. The pacing was done really well and kept me interested all the way through. There were moments of unease that seeped through the page, and the high stakes towards the end of the story were palpable. It was very well thought out, and just enough detail was given throughout the story. The characters were all interesting, and the relationship between Anne and Leisl was believable and sweet.
I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoys fairytale retellings, a bit of a spook factor, and a bond between two sisters that is unshakable.
This had me at Bluebeard retelling. As it is a lesser known fairytale, I personally have not seen many retellings, though I have always thought it would be an interesting one to be re-told. Although it is one of the darker fairytales, it is pretty perfect for reading during spooky season!
I enjoyed the style, written as diary entries from our main character, Anne, Bluebeard's own personal writings, and the occasional letter written by Leisl. The pacing was done really well and kept me interested all the way through. There were moments of unease that seeped through the page, and the high stakes towards the end of the story were palpable. It was very well thought out, and just enough detail was given throughout the story. The characters were all interesting, and the relationship between Anne and Leisl was believable and sweet.
I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoys fairytale retellings, a bit of a spook factor, and a bond between two sisters that is unshakable.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Gore and Injury/Injury detail
Between a Flock and a Hard Place by Donna Andrews
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
*Thank you, Macmillan and NetGalley, for the audiobook copy!*
This was such a fun story! I loved the pacing, the odd plot point with the feral turkey flock, and that there were multiple mysteries going on at once. I never really felt particularly attached to any of the characters, but that doesn't mean I don't like them. Honestly, the somewhat mundane feel to the whole story was kind of refreshing in a way, and although I wasn't shocked by the twist of whodunnit, the person wasn't top of my suspect list.
I will definitely be looking into more stories by Donna Andrews! If you're looking for a fun, sort of everyday murder mystery with a flock of turkeys to boot, I highly recommend!
This was such a fun story! I loved the pacing, the odd plot point with the feral turkey flock, and that there were multiple mysteries going on at once. I never really felt particularly attached to any of the characters, but that doesn't mean I don't like them. Honestly, the somewhat mundane feel to the whole story was kind of refreshing in a way, and although I wasn't shocked by the twist of whodunnit, the person wasn't top of my suspect list.
I will definitely be looking into more stories by Donna Andrews! If you're looking for a fun, sort of everyday murder mystery with a flock of turkeys to boot, I highly recommend!
The Wine-Dark Daughter by Damien J. Coluccio
adventurous
dark
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thank you for the gifted copy!
I have a lot of feelings on this book. It is written well, has a complex world with a lot of different things to keep track of, and is a very interesting depiction of mythology. I did enjoy this story, as I thought the storyline was interesting, I really liked the mini stories sprinkled throughout and the glimpse into the world of the gods.
I don't know if it just wasn't the right time for me personally to read this story or if I had expected something different than what I got, but I found it easy to set down and wasn't as excited to start reading again as I have been with my favorite books. I wanted more action and maybe more interaction with the gods than what was given. There were little things here and there that laid the path for obvious communication with the gods, mainly warnings and unrest, which I really liked. And I really loved the last 45 pages of the story, when I feel like all of the action really happened, and we got to delve a little deeper into the workings of the world. I was really interested in Cosmas as a character, as I have a theory revolving around him, but I wasn't in love with any of the characters. I think if I were to read this again, which I might in the future, I would enjoy it more knowing more of what I was about to get into.
I would be interested to see where the story goes and how things will unfold. I feel like there is a lot of groundwork done to really make this more of a fantastical story, and I would love to see how the characters develop.
I have a lot of feelings on this book. It is written well, has a complex world with a lot of different things to keep track of, and is a very interesting depiction of mythology. I did enjoy this story, as I thought the storyline was interesting, I really liked the mini stories sprinkled throughout and the glimpse into the world of the gods.
I don't know if it just wasn't the right time for me personally to read this story or if I had expected something different than what I got, but I found it easy to set down and wasn't as excited to start reading again as I have been with my favorite books. I wanted more action and maybe more interaction with the gods than what was given. There were little things here and there that laid the path for obvious communication with the gods, mainly warnings and unrest, which I really liked. And I really loved the last 45 pages of the story, when I feel like all of the action really happened, and we got to delve a little deeper into the workings of the world. I was really interested in Cosmas as a character, as I have a theory revolving around him, but I wasn't in love with any of the characters. I think if I were to read this again, which I might in the future, I would enjoy it more knowing more of what I was about to get into.
I would be interested to see where the story goes and how things will unfold. I feel like there is a lot of groundwork done to really make this more of a fantastical story, and I would love to see how the characters develop.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Vomit and Kidnapping
Red River Road by Anna Downes
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
**Thank you to Macmillan for the audiobook copy!**
Katy has embarked on the same journey her sister did a year ago before going missing to try and find some answers. She is unexpectedly joined by Beth, a woman with secrets and a past she'd like to leave behind. As they retrace Phoebe's route, Beth might be a key part in finding out what happened to Phoebe, but Katy might also be hiding some secrets.
I enjoyed this story - the contemporary themes of a solo woman van-life traveler and the lean into social media for documentation. I liked that both FMCs were not reliable, though it's hard to put your finger on why they feel that way. I knew something was up with both of them, Beth's predicament a little more obvious than Katy's, but I wasn't entirely prepared for everything that unfolded. I like when these types of stories take a turn I didn't foresee, but I felt like it took a long time to get to the turn of events and I was a little bored through the middle of the story. But once it ramped up to 11, I was hooked until I got to the end. I do feel like there wasn't a clear resolution for some of the events that happened, and it might have been nice to know what happened to certain characters.
I would recommend this one to readers who enjoy contemporary themes and thriller aspects, as well as more of a psychological analysis.
Katy has embarked on the same journey her sister did a year ago before going missing to try and find some answers. She is unexpectedly joined by Beth, a woman with secrets and a past she'd like to leave behind. As they retrace Phoebe's route, Beth might be a key part in finding out what happened to Phoebe, but Katy might also be hiding some secrets.
I enjoyed this story - the contemporary themes of a solo woman van-life traveler and the lean into social media for documentation. I liked that both FMCs were not reliable, though it's hard to put your finger on why they feel that way. I knew something was up with both of them, Beth's predicament a little more obvious than Katy's, but I wasn't entirely prepared for everything that unfolded. I like when these types of stories take a turn I didn't foresee, but I felt like it took a long time to get to the turn of events and I was a little bored through the middle of the story. But once it ramped up to 11, I was hooked until I got to the end. I do feel like there wasn't a clear resolution for some of the events that happened, and it might have been nice to know what happened to certain characters.
I would recommend this one to readers who enjoy contemporary themes and thriller aspects, as well as more of a psychological analysis.
The Castle Rose by Tabitha Caplinger
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
THIS STORY!!! A delicate mix of plot and romance, this story had my heart from the very beginning. The setting in New Orleans felt so fitting, and I could practically see the streets of the French Quarter in my head as I was reading. Both Odette and Bastian were lovely characters dealing with their own personal issues regarding love and acceptance that came together in a magical way. I love the Beauty and the Beast meets Phantom of the Opera description because it is literally so fitting. This is a faster paced story, so where I wish there may have been more of a slow burn element and more of the characters getting to know each other a little more, it obviously doesn't detract any stars. I can see this becoming a comfort read for years to come. If this one is not on your list, I HIGHLY recommend it.
That Prince Is Mine by Jayci Lee
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? Yes
3.75
*Thank you to Macmillan for the audiobook copy!*
Emma just wants her life to go according to plan. She wants to open a culinary school and find her perfect on paper match. But it seems like all the men her aunt sets her up with just aren't right, and then she meets Michele. A handsome visiting college professor, he convinces Emma to give him a chance against her better judgment.
Michele has come to Los Angeles to find his true love. As the heir to the throne of his home country, he wants someone who can rule by his side that he loves and has the country's best interest at heart, and not an arranged marriage, which is what he's facing once he returns. He only has three months to find someone with whom he wants to spend the rest of his life. So when he encounters Emma, he is determined to pursue her.
The two battle their own inner thoughts and problems while trying to navigate whatever kind of relationship they are creating together. And they might not end up the way they expected.
I enjoyed this one. I've somehow fallen into a hole of books, especially rom-com type stories, that have to do with baking or cooking, and I love it. I feel like food does bring people together, so it's a good element to be involved in romance stories. I enjoyed the overall writing style, the characters, and the overall story. Emma had some past relationship related trauma from her childhood that I feel so many people deal with with her parents' divorce and not wanting to end up that way, which I feel made sense for the story. She was a bit more two-dimensional than Michele, in my opinion, as it felt like he was just so focused on finding someone to fall in love with and lacked a little grit. I know with royal characters, they can feel that way a bit because they haven't really had to go through a lot of tough things, but I wanted a bit more from him.
I also felt like this one was a little long for what it was. There was the continued story of Emma saying, "This isn't going to go anywhere," and always looking for an out, and it started feeling a little overused. I wish that something else had come up sooner to cause more drama, but it wasn't so annoying that I didn't enjoy my listen. I did really enjoy the side characters, too. Auntie Sue had some pretty funny dialogue, and the dynamics between the characters worked well.
I would recommend this one to rom-com lovers and if you love books that have a food theme!
Emma just wants her life to go according to plan. She wants to open a culinary school and find her perfect on paper match. But it seems like all the men her aunt sets her up with just aren't right, and then she meets Michele. A handsome visiting college professor, he convinces Emma to give him a chance against her better judgment.
Michele has come to Los Angeles to find his true love. As the heir to the throne of his home country, he wants someone who can rule by his side that he loves and has the country's best interest at heart, and not an arranged marriage, which is what he's facing once he returns. He only has three months to find someone with whom he wants to spend the rest of his life. So when he encounters Emma, he is determined to pursue her.
The two battle their own inner thoughts and problems while trying to navigate whatever kind of relationship they are creating together. And they might not end up the way they expected.
I enjoyed this one. I've somehow fallen into a hole of books, especially rom-com type stories, that have to do with baking or cooking, and I love it. I feel like food does bring people together, so it's a good element to be involved in romance stories. I enjoyed the overall writing style, the characters, and the overall story. Emma had some past relationship related trauma from her childhood that I feel so many people deal with with her parents' divorce and not wanting to end up that way, which I feel made sense for the story. She was a bit more two-dimensional than Michele, in my opinion, as it felt like he was just so focused on finding someone to fall in love with and lacked a little grit. I know with royal characters, they can feel that way a bit because they haven't really had to go through a lot of tough things, but I wanted a bit more from him.
I also felt like this one was a little long for what it was. There was the continued story of Emma saying, "This isn't going to go anywhere," and always looking for an out, and it started feeling a little overused. I wish that something else had come up sooner to cause more drama, but it wasn't so annoying that I didn't enjoy my listen. I did really enjoy the side characters, too. Auntie Sue had some pretty funny dialogue, and the dynamics between the characters worked well.
I would recommend this one to rom-com lovers and if you love books that have a food theme!
Earthlight by J. Michael Straczynski
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
**Thank you, Libro.fm, for the audio copy!**
This was a fun, quick, full cast sci-fi experience that was fast-paced and exciting. I really liked how immersive the whole experience was with the added sound effects. I just found it a little bit hard to follow without a visual. I think this would make a really cool short film that would make the experience that much better. It was sometimes hard to determine who was speaking and what their role was in the grand scene, but I think the main points got across easily.
This was a fun, quick, full cast sci-fi experience that was fast-paced and exciting. I really liked how immersive the whole experience was with the added sound effects. I just found it a little bit hard to follow without a visual. I think this would make a really cool short film that would make the experience that much better. It was sometimes hard to determine who was speaking and what their role was in the grand scene, but I think the main points got across easily.
A Certain Kind of Starlight by Heather Webber
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
*Thank you, Macmillan, for the audiobook copy!*
Addie makes her return to her hometown, where she had hoped to leave secrets of the past behind. But when Aunt Bean begins having health issues and asks Addie to return to help her with her bakery and things around the house, Addie can't say no. But she knows that Aunt Bean has also asked Tessa Jane to come, her half-sister, whom she never had a good relationship with. And where Addie is working through coming to terms with the death of her best friend and the secrets she left behind, Tessa Jane has her own problems she needs to work through. Aunt Bean may be their reason for returning, but the Starlight might have their answers to repair relationships and forgive the past.
I don't read a lot of magical realism stories, but I'm so glad I picked this one up! The characters were charming, I loved the storyline, and it was just written beautifully. The duel POV with Addie and Tessa Jane showed glimpses into their individual lives and their views on their repairing relationship. I also actually found myself laughing out loud a few times at some of the things the characters said. It was such a cozy, small-town vibe, and I could really feel the love for the people in the story and for the Starlight field. There were enough complications in the story to keep it interesting, but was also very lighthearted.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys magical realism and family relationship repair stories.
Addie makes her return to her hometown, where she had hoped to leave secrets of the past behind. But when Aunt Bean begins having health issues and asks Addie to return to help her with her bakery and things around the house, Addie can't say no. But she knows that Aunt Bean has also asked Tessa Jane to come, her half-sister, whom she never had a good relationship with. And where Addie is working through coming to terms with the death of her best friend and the secrets she left behind, Tessa Jane has her own problems she needs to work through. Aunt Bean may be their reason for returning, but the Starlight might have their answers to repair relationships and forgive the past.
I don't read a lot of magical realism stories, but I'm so glad I picked this one up! The characters were charming, I loved the storyline, and it was just written beautifully. The duel POV with Addie and Tessa Jane showed glimpses into their individual lives and their views on their repairing relationship. I also actually found myself laughing out loud a few times at some of the things the characters said. It was such a cozy, small-town vibe, and I could really feel the love for the people in the story and for the Starlight field. There were enough complications in the story to keep it interesting, but was also very lighthearted.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys magical realism and family relationship repair stories.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, and Death of parent
The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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? Yes
4.0
*Thank you, Macmillan, for the audiobook copy!*
June Hart became a viral meme overnight when her boyfriend of 10 years dumped her on live television. Her high school best friend, Levi, had a very similar public break up around the same time. But June and Levi haven't spoken much since they had a falling out, only really checking up on each other through their mutuals. But when Levi returns to Benson Beach unexpectedly and the two are seen together, they go viral again as the Revenge Exes. Both have their reasons for keeping the charade going, but when June starts having old feelings towards Levi, she might just end up being burned again.
This story was really cute and makes me want all of the rom-com stories with a cooking/baking element. The fake dating of the golden retriever old best friend angle with some past shared grief sprinkled in was a good way to keep the story from feeling one dimensional. I was invested in both how June and Levi's story would end and how their individual stories would pan out. I enjoyed the side characters and the setting of Benson Beach. I actively wanted to punch June's ex, Griffin, in the fave, so I think the jerk angle was done well, too.
I just wish that there wasn't such a back and forth with June and Levi during one part of the story, but it wasn't enough to really put me off. I just felt like most of the story, June had a really good head on her shoulders after having been burned pretty badly from her past relationship, and then at one point, would trust Levi unconditionally, and then have all of these questions the next and not really trust him at all. If the weariness had stayed through this particular part, I feel like it would have made a little more sense.
I highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good rom-com story and enjoys a fun summer vibe with a little cozy tea shop!
June Hart became a viral meme overnight when her boyfriend of 10 years dumped her on live television. Her high school best friend, Levi, had a very similar public break up around the same time. But June and Levi haven't spoken much since they had a falling out, only really checking up on each other through their mutuals. But when Levi returns to Benson Beach unexpectedly and the two are seen together, they go viral again as the Revenge Exes. Both have their reasons for keeping the charade going, but when June starts having old feelings towards Levi, she might just end up being burned again.
This story was really cute and makes me want all of the rom-com stories with a cooking/baking element. The fake dating of the golden retriever old best friend angle with some past shared grief sprinkled in was a good way to keep the story from feeling one dimensional. I was invested in both how June and Levi's story would end and how their individual stories would pan out. I enjoyed the side characters and the setting of Benson Beach. I actively wanted to punch June's ex, Griffin, in the fave, so I think the jerk angle was done well, too.
I just wish that there wasn't such a back and forth with June and Levi during one part of the story, but it wasn't enough to really put me off. I just felt like most of the story, June had a really good head on her shoulders after having been burned pretty badly from her past relationship, and then at one point, would trust Levi unconditionally, and then have all of these questions the next and not really trust him at all. If the weariness had stayed through this particular part, I feel like it would have made a little more sense.
I highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good rom-com story and enjoys a fun summer vibe with a little cozy tea shop!
Content Warnings
Minor: Grief