fictionandflora's reviews
137 reviews

The Goblin Emperor, by Katherine Addison

emotional reflective relaxing 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? It's complicated

5.0

A new all time fav! 
Watching Maia grow both as a person and as an emperor had me glued to the page. The depictions, of race, class, and gender were interesting and nuanced insofar as someone in his position is able. His struggles dealing with the prejudices of his subjects, his own trauma, and the responsibilities of rulership all on the landscape of a hostile court had me rooting for him every step of the way. Maia's struggles and triumphs felt personal in a way that had me aching with loneliness and giggling with joy. 

The way the Addison was able to weave in the history of this world throughout the story was engaging. Every character, even the most minor, felt distinct in a way rarely found. The interactions between them fleshed out the world and story more than simple descriptions ever could and their progression through out was something to look forward to. Truly this felt like a peak into a small section of an expansive world.

It's rare for me to want to re-read a book as soon as I put it down but The Goblin Emperor is one such book. Everything about its works so harmoniously and the read flowed so easily that its has me wanting to experience it again and again. 

I highly recommend this to fans of coming of age, cozy fantasy, and character driven books.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Racism and Sexism

The Drift, by C.J. Tudor

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The twists and turns of this book were fun and I am always rooting for a survival story but the pacing wasn't great. Despite the abundance of characters they each felt fairly distinct/recognizable. However, it felt like one POV was carrying the weight of the other two for the majority of the book.

The Hands of the Emperor, by Victoria Goddard

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.

Not in the mood for now. Will come back to it later in the year 

Awakened, by James S. Murray, Darren Wearmouth

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

Defekt, by Nino Cipri

adventurous hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

Finna, by Nino Cipri

adventurous reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

When I Sing, Mountains Dance, by Irene Solà

hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

At the Edge of the Woods, by Masatsugu Ono

dark hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.75

Cormorant Lake, by Faith Merino

mysterious reflective tense slow-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

3.75