foxybooktalk's reviews
102 reviews

Asunder by Kerstin Hall

dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

This book had an amazing premise but the execution lacked in my opinion. The concept of the world and magic system is truly unique and very interesting. However, the actual world building through the story was too complex and difficult to follow. It reads as if the author expects the reader to know everything about the world going in. It explains very little, just throws you right in the middle of the conflict and expects you to catch up. The whole society structure was intricate and there are many a term that never gets fully explain. 

That being said, the writing style in itself was smooth and the characters were easy to like, if a bit one dimensional. 

I give it 2 stars for the idea, but that’s about it. 

The Phoenix and the Crown by Rachel Terry

adventurous medium-paced

3.0

Love Potions and Their Many Uses by Accio_Saucy

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

4.5

The Fury of the Gods by John Gwynne

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The Fury of the Gods eArc Review⚔️🛡

This is the third and final book in The Bloodsworn Trilogy aka one of my favorite series of all times. The first two books took me on a ride when I read them two years ago and I was anxiously waiting for the final installment to come out this year. Suffice to say that I SCREAM when I got approved on Netgalley to read an ARC. It probably was the highest moment of my year (not kidding, I love the series that much) 

Boy, my expectations were high. And then Mister Gwynne came and swoop me off my feet with this master piece. It was everything I wanted for the conclusion: a massive epic final battle ( Helm’s Deep level of epic, people ), character development at it’s best, deaths that tore my heart out, endearing moments and most important big ass Gods fighting each other. 

All the threads and plots that has been woven in this story finally came together reaching a conclusion that was equal parts satisfying and heath wrenching. I was on the edge of my seat, biting my nails through the whole second part of the book. I don’t think I breathed until I reached the last page. 

What Mister Gwynne has accomplished with this series (other than making a life-long die-hard fan out of me) is exceptionally rare in this genre: he has written an epic dark fantasy with top notch world building and character work that is actually approachable to all kinds of readers. And I say that as a lover of fantasy who struggles with pacing and commitment for high fantasy series. The Bloodsworn Saga, however, I devoured it. I will forever recommend this to new readers of the genre as a fantastic gateway series that’s actually tremendously good. 

The book will be out on October 22, so you have time to go and read the first two now. Mark my words you will not regret it. I am sad to say goodbye to this series, but also I know this will be a frequent re-read for me. 

Kulti by Mariana Zapata

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.

The cringe was cringing in this one 😒

Minor Works of Meda by Juliette Caruso

adventurous funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Cursed Under London by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Once Charmed, Twice Cursed by Shaylin Gandhi

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Thanks to The Nerd Farm and the author for the ARC, here’s my humble opinion: 

4,5 ⭐️ 
3 🌶 

I loved this little standalone romantasy. It read like a breeze of fresh air, quick and charming

The story is endearing and fast paced. The characters are adorable. Our main girl is sheltered and pampered but also courageous and fiercely true to herself, which I found refreshing. I enjoyed her journey to finally stand on her own to feet and cheered her on the whole time. The MMC was a delicious mix of golden retriever, tortured and protective. I actually swooned with the chemistry between the two and their romance was adorable. 

The magic system and world building is very lightly touched, as the plot focuses only on the struggles of our couple. It really is a delightful read all the way through, perfect to sit and read with a cup of tea at the end of a hard day. 

Sweet Briar by Joline Pearce

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5