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kelread's reviews
493 reviews
The Spy and I by Tiana Smith
3.5
Light and fluffy. I could've done with a little less pining from the FMC but it was a fun not-quite-spy mystery mystery.
La Vie de Guinevere by Paula Lafferty
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The sum of my Camelot/Arthurian lore knowledge comes from "The Magic Treehouse" series and Disney's "Sword and the Stone" so it's entirely possible that "La Vie de Guinivere" deviates from a beloved cannon and I a) don't realize it and b) don't care.
Paula Lafferty's debut is nothing short of enchanting. While it's a chunky 541 pages, I flew through it and was left wanting more.
(Seriously, when do we get the next one?)
Lafferty's voice is distinct, her characters surprisingly relatable, and her world building is impeccable. She manages to paint a perfect picture without miring the text in details or overly intricate prose. The plot is expertly crafted and the characters’ voices are distinct and clear.
And while, yes, this is a time traveling, quasi-romance, magical fantasy, I'm confident "La Vie de Guinivere" will appeal to a broad audience- even readers who are steadfast in their assertion that they don't enjoy fantasy or romance. This novel is fantasy lite (no flow chart or definitions list necessary) and while there is a blush worthy scene, the “romance” takes a firm backseat to the relationship. This is a well-rounded story to get lost in.
I will happily recommend “La Vie de Guinevere”and am delighted my library has it on order.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC, opinion 100% my own.
Paula Lafferty's debut is nothing short of enchanting. While it's a chunky 541 pages, I flew through it and was left wanting more.
(Seriously, when do we get the next one?)
Lafferty's voice is distinct, her characters surprisingly relatable, and her world building is impeccable. She manages to paint a perfect picture without miring the text in details or overly intricate prose. The plot is expertly crafted and the characters’ voices are distinct and clear.
And while, yes, this is a time traveling, quasi-romance, magical fantasy, I'm confident "La Vie de Guinivere" will appeal to a broad audience- even readers who are steadfast in their assertion that they don't enjoy fantasy or romance. This novel is fantasy lite (no flow chart or definitions list necessary) and while there is a blush worthy scene, the “romance” takes a firm backseat to the relationship. This is a well-rounded story to get lost in.
I will happily recommend “La Vie de Guinevere”and am delighted my library has it on order.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC, opinion 100% my own.
Crossroads by Devney Perry
3.0
Deveny Perry is a go-to for a palate cleanser- quick, pretty easy, good story, likeable characters. Crossroads, unfortunately, feels rushed and lacks a solid plot point (it's there, it's just not very good).
A Love Like the Sun by Riss M. Neilson
5.0
A Love Like the Sun is a gorgeous, best friends to lovers (he falls first) romance. The butterflies in my tummy were flapping away throughout the novel. Rooting for Isaac and Laniah is easy to do and the progression of their relationship felt so very real.
The secondary plot point (re: doctors being dismissive to women, especially women of color) was unexpected and brave on the author's part. I think far too many women will identify with Laniah's journey as an advocate for her own health.
Neilson nailed her debut novel- can't wait to read more of her work.
The secondary plot point (re: doctors being dismissive to women, especially women of color) was unexpected and brave on the author's part. I think far too many women will identify with Laniah's journey as an advocate for her own health.
Neilson nailed her debut novel- can't wait to read more of her work.
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
4.0
Super sweet (albeit farfetched), quick read, unique premise (for an adult novel). Alas, it felt a little perfunctory at times and that second act plot twist was an unnecessary distraction that undermined the MC's relationship. It was enjoyable nonetheless and I've been imagining which book series I'd like to fall into.