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lisyda's reviews
444 reviews
The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
5.0
I flew through the last book in the series a lot faster than the second one, so that's your first clue that I had fun with this one. The pacing picked up, the overarching questions and ideas were intriguing to follow (especially Sazed's struggle and journey with his faith) , and I really liked the ending and the final reveals.
For me, the trilogy as a whole was exactly the kind of entertainment I was hoping and expecting to get out of it right now, so you won't find me in the haters camp. Honestly, I liked the easy-to-read epic fantasy vibes, so for that purpose, the Mistborn trilogy is quite good.
Now I'm interested in seeing where the rest of the Cosmere takes me and how the universe here evolves, so .. onward we go!
For me, the trilogy as a whole was exactly the kind of entertainment I was hoping and expecting to get out of it right now, so you won't find me in the haters camp. Honestly, I liked the easy-to-read epic fantasy vibes, so for that purpose, the Mistborn trilogy is quite good.
Now I'm interested in seeing where the rest of the Cosmere takes me and how the universe here evolves, so .. onward we go!
The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
mysterious
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
4.0
The second book in the series definitely had that "middle book" feel in many ways. The pacing was slower and the focus was on the aftermath of the first book, so instead of a heist story, this one was much more political and showcased the rebuilding of the world. Structure-wise, it reminded me of the Founders trilogy in that regard.
I kept feeling stuck between enjoying lots of the worldbuilding and more time with the main characters, and being frustrated when some of the slower parts started to feel a bit too slow here and there, which made me switch over to some of my other current reads as well. But overall, it was an informative middle entry and the ending had me picking up the next book right away.
I kept feeling stuck between enjoying lots of the worldbuilding and more time with the main characters, and being frustrated when some of the slower parts started to feel a bit too slow here and there, which made me switch over to some of my other current reads as well. But overall, it was an informative middle entry and the ending had me picking up the next book right away.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It's October, so a classic horror story fits perfectly. Plus, this was the book of the month for a book club as well.
I've never read Frankenstein before, though I did know going in that Frankenstein is very much the name of the scientist, not the monster. But that was more or less all I knew before I started reading and ... I've taken two weeks to come to the conclusion that overall, I personally felt kind of "meh" about the book due to its pacing.
Yes, as always, I understand that at the time of publishing, this book probably made people feel fear or dread of some sort. But, as the case tends to be with a lot of classics, it doesn't have the same effect for modern sensibilities. Instead of horror, I'd say this book mostly leans into its philosophical aspects, which were definitely well-written.
And something that surprised me or, more accurately, made me realise that the movie adaptations of Frankenstein have cemented more than just the name error in how people perceive this story, was how the creature's creation was described. I think most of us immediately think of the creature with bolts screwed in his neck and how he was brought to life by harnessing the power of lightning – yeah, not at all how it happens in the book.
Also, Victor could've used a couple of reality checks, especially every single time he was trying to pretend that maybe everything's fine and he doesn't need to go and deal with the consequences of his actions.
Overall though, I was able to appreciate the story for what it was at the time and for what it's done within the genre, but I'll also freely admit that for my personal taste, it was a bit too slow-paced in general. I'm still glad I read it and can check off another classic from my list.
I've never read Frankenstein before, though I did know going in that Frankenstein is very much the name of the scientist, not the monster. But that was more or less all I knew before I started reading and ... I've taken two weeks to come to the conclusion that overall, I personally felt kind of "meh" about the book due to its pacing.
Yes, as always, I understand that at the time of publishing, this book probably made people feel fear or dread of some sort. But, as the case tends to be with a lot of classics, it doesn't have the same effect for modern sensibilities. Instead of horror, I'd say this book mostly leans into its philosophical aspects, which were definitely well-written.
And something that surprised me or, more accurately, made me realise that the movie adaptations of Frankenstein have cemented more than just the name error in how people perceive this story, was how the creature's creation was described. I think most of us immediately think of the creature with bolts screwed in his neck and how he was brought to life by harnessing the power of lightning – yeah, not at all how it happens in the book.
Also, Victor could've used a couple of reality checks, especially every single time he was trying to pretend that maybe everything's fine and he doesn't need to go and deal with the consequences of his actions.
Overall though, I was able to appreciate the story for what it was at the time and for what it's done within the genre, but I'll also freely admit that for my personal taste, it was a bit too slow-paced in general. I'm still glad I read it and can check off another classic from my list.
Witchwood by Kalyn Josephson
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-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
3.5
It's autumn and a new Ravenfall novel is out, so of course I picked it up.
I must admit though that I have a complicated relationship with this series. There are some elements that I really like about it and others that I like a lot less. So my opinion about each book tends to lands somewhere around the middle but I do want to keep reading the series for the fun elements that I enjoy.
I still think the main characters learn new skills a bit too fast and they continue to feel kind of OP/very protected. But since it is a middle grade series and at this point, I'm kind of accustomed to the nuances of the series, then I'm just rolling with it and went in with expectations of a quick, quirky magical book with autumn vibes. And for the actual target audience, I'm sure my nitpicks might not even be an issue anyway.
Having said all that, I think Witchwood is my favourite so far. I liked that it expanded the magical world into a new area outside of Wick, taking us to a full-blown magical town with new characters and concepts introduced. It was nice to see even more of Anna's family in the form of her aunt Miriam and cousin Leah, and to learn more about the family history.
This book also continues the theme from the previous book of Anna discovering more about her Jewish heritage and what it means for her magical capabilities. The central plot was fairly predictable, but it was made more interesting (for me, at least) with the details surrounding it: the what, the why, and the how, which were rooted in the aforementioned Jewish magic.
The book met my expectations for some seasonal middle grade magic and I got that. And yes, I'll be picking up the next one next year.
I must admit though that I have a complicated relationship with this series. There are some elements that I really like about it and others that I like a lot less. So my opinion about each book tends to lands somewhere around the middle but I do want to keep reading the series for the fun elements that I enjoy.
I still think the main characters learn new skills a bit too fast and they continue to feel kind of OP/very protected. But since it is a middle grade series and at this point, I'm kind of accustomed to the nuances of the series, then I'm just rolling with it and went in with expectations of a quick, quirky magical book with autumn vibes. And for the actual target audience, I'm sure my nitpicks might not even be an issue anyway.
Having said all that, I think Witchwood is my favourite so far. I liked that it expanded the magical world into a new area outside of Wick, taking us to a full-blown magical town with new characters and concepts introduced. It was nice to see even more of Anna's family in the form of her aunt Miriam and cousin Leah, and to learn more about the family history.
This book also continues the theme from the previous book of Anna discovering more about her Jewish heritage and what it means for her magical capabilities. The central plot was fairly predictable, but it was made more interesting (for me, at least) with the details surrounding it: the what, the why, and the how, which were rooted in the aforementioned Jewish magic.
The book met my expectations for some seasonal middle grade magic and I got that. And yes, I'll be picking up the next one next year.
Murder in the Family by Cara Hunter
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
My first Cara Hunter and one I've seen being recommended quite a bit.
The format was definitely interesting as the story is told mostly through the TV show script format along with additional details like online message board screenshots and text messages. This also made this a very quick read for me as I didn't really go back and forth a lot, but just kept reading and making a few half-hearted guesses about the solution throughout as new information was revealed.
While I didn't exactly guess at the culprit, it also didn't surprise me and the lead up to the reveal provided all the connections so that it was fairly easy to see at that point where it was going, though I personally think some of the other potential culprits would've made for more interesting endings perhaps. Still, the final resolution that followed made perfect sense and was definitely a suitable cherry on top.
Overall, an entertaining and fast-paced thriller perfect for October's crime month vibes.
The format was definitely interesting as the story is told mostly through the TV show script format along with additional details like online message board screenshots and text messages. This also made this a very quick read for me as I didn't really go back and forth a lot, but just kept reading and making a few half-hearted guesses about the solution throughout as new information was revealed.
While I didn't exactly guess at the culprit, it also didn't surprise me and the lead up to the reveal provided all the connections so that it was fairly easy to see at that point where it was going, though I personally think some of the other potential culprits would've made for more interesting endings perhaps. Still, the final resolution that followed made perfect sense and was definitely a suitable cherry on top.
Overall, an entertaining and fast-paced thriller perfect for October's crime month vibes.
The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.5
Heeeey, I finally started the epic that is the Cosmere after promising and hoping to do so for a long-long time already! First up, the first Mistborn trilogy.
I had a lot of fun with The Final Empire, honestly. I was already expecting the prose to be easy to read, which in this particular case made for a smooth and fast reading experience despite the book being over 600 pages long.
I really liked the concept of Allomancy (and yay, I finally understand what it even IS after seeing so many references to it online). I'm also so tempted to google images of the world just to see visual representations of it, especially in terms of colours. But I'm a disciplined person with severe aversions towards spoilers, so I'm not taking that risk just yet.
The characters were a more mixed bunch. Some were definitely in more of a supporting role, so we get just a surface-level understanding of them. Others were clearly the main characters and we get a much better insight into who they are and why they are the way they are. Out of the main three, I'd say Kelsier was my favourite in this one with Sazed a close second. Both also felt like the most complex characters of TFE to me. Vin and Elend, the two main younger characters, honestly reminded me of various YA fantasy main characters, but I'm interested in seeing their growth in the next two books.
Overall, I had a good time with this one. I was entertained and the pages kept turning. I'm excited to see how the rest of this trilogy goes and can't wait to dive into the larger Cosmere as well.
I had a lot of fun with The Final Empire, honestly. I was already expecting the prose to be easy to read, which in this particular case made for a smooth and fast reading experience despite the book being over 600 pages long.
I really liked the concept of Allomancy (and yay, I finally understand what it even IS after seeing so many references to it online). I'm also so tempted to google images of the world just to see visual representations of it, especially in terms of colours. But I'm a disciplined person with severe aversions towards spoilers, so I'm not taking that risk just yet.
The characters were a more mixed bunch. Some were definitely in more of a supporting role, so we get just a surface-level understanding of them. Others were clearly the main characters and we get a much better insight into who they are and why they are the way they are. Out of the main three, I'd say Kelsier was my favourite in this one with Sazed a close second. Both also felt like the most complex characters of TFE to me. Vin and Elend, the two main younger characters, honestly reminded me of various YA fantasy main characters, but I'm interested in seeing their growth in the next two books.
Overall, I had a good time with this one. I was entertained and the pages kept turning. I'm excited to see how the rest of this trilogy goes and can't wait to dive into the larger Cosmere as well.
Different, Not Damaged by Andy Peloquin
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was my first Andy Peloquin book. And I'm saying first because this collection has definitely convinced me to read more.
"Different, Not Damaged" is an anthology of short stories set in the world of Voramis, which is apparently a world that's common to more than one of Andy's series. And all of these little stories depict the stories of those who are somehow different, whether due to disabilities, trauma or disorders, for example. Add to that the fact this is a very grim and fairly brutal dark fantasy world, and you end up with stories that hit hard and deep.
I loved the writing and storytelling here. Each story was compelling in its own way, thought-provoking and, often, heart-wrenching. In short, they were all really good.
This anthology is not for the faint of heart nor for those looking for something lighthearted that will make you feel warm and good inside. But if you're in the mood for something darker and grittier that will also hit you hard on an emotional level, I highly recommend giving this a go.
"Different, Not Damaged" is an anthology of short stories set in the world of Voramis, which is apparently a world that's common to more than one of Andy's series. And all of these little stories depict the stories of those who are somehow different, whether due to disabilities, trauma or disorders, for example. Add to that the fact this is a very grim and fairly brutal dark fantasy world, and you end up with stories that hit hard and deep.
I loved the writing and storytelling here. Each story was compelling in its own way, thought-provoking and, often, heart-wrenching. In short, they were all really good.
This anthology is not for the faint of heart nor for those looking for something lighthearted that will make you feel warm and good inside. But if you're in the mood for something darker and grittier that will also hit you hard on an emotional level, I highly recommend giving this a go.
The Bartender Between Worlds by Herman Steuernagel
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Emma hunts those cursed with magic as magic is considered a great evil where she lives. Until one day she discovers that she herself has magic – namely, alcohol calls to her, asking her to make great cocktails out of it. So she runs and hopes to find a quiet place to settle down and just serve drinks. But of course, things are never that easy, and instead, she finds herself on an adventure that will teach her so much more about the world around her than she ever expected to find out.
On the surface, this is sold as a low-stakes cozy fantasy story. Now, I'm probably one of the few out there who still hasn't read Legends & Lattes and my experience with cozy fantasy is limited to just a couple of books in general. I'm not quite sure how low the stakes are in most cozy fantasy stories, but they definitely ended up being higher than I was expecting in this one, which I found a bit surprising. I think I was expecting more bartending and cocktails, and less adventuring, but this was sort of the opposite.
Nonetheless, it was a fun and quick read with magic, magical creatures, different worlds and, of course, cocktails (including recipes). Oh, and there were also some lovely illustrations provided throughout.
If you're looking for some lighter fantasy with found family elements that's perfect for the current cozy autumn season, pick this up!
On the surface, this is sold as a low-stakes cozy fantasy story. Now, I'm probably one of the few out there who still hasn't read Legends & Lattes and my experience with cozy fantasy is limited to just a couple of books in general. I'm not quite sure how low the stakes are in most cozy fantasy stories, but they definitely ended up being higher than I was expecting in this one, which I found a bit surprising. I think I was expecting more bartending and cocktails, and less adventuring, but this was sort of the opposite.
Nonetheless, it was a fun and quick read with magic, magical creatures, different worlds and, of course, cocktails (including recipes). Oh, and there were also some lovely illustrations provided throughout.
If you're looking for some lighter fantasy with found family elements that's perfect for the current cozy autumn season, pick this up!
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
I'm stuck somewhere around 3.5-4/5 stars, depending on my current mood.
It's autumn, so it was time to dive back into some dark academia. First up, "If We Were Villains" and full marks for the aesthetic part – it definitely has all the classic DA elements.
As for the story itself, I personally found it enjoyable enough overall, though lacking in depth somewhat, especially as it came to some of the characters. I would've liked to see, know and understand them a bit more. But I still got an entertaining story of obsessive academia in a private school setting with a core group of friends who form a somewhat dysfunctional found family. And of course, there's a bit of murder mixed in, so the book met my expectations in those regards.
"If We Were Villains" is very obviously influenced by Tartt's "The Secret History", but if I had to compare the two, it's far from being a fair game – TSH wins out by far in my eyes. Still, I didn't really go into IWWV expecting both books to truly be in the same league more than I expected this one to be exactly what I got, which is "inspired by" and in many ways "an homage to" "The Secret History".
The academic obsession here revolves around Shakespeare and I could feel that at least some of the nuance of the book probably went over my head purely because I lack an in-depth understanding of Shakespeare's works. Nonetheless, I did love the pretentious (and coded) way the group spoke to each other via the Bard's quotes.
I'd recommend it if you're looking specifically for something that's meant to evoke those stereotypical dark academia aesthetic vibes but is at the same time relatively quick and easy to read.
It's autumn, so it was time to dive back into some dark academia. First up, "If We Were Villains" and full marks for the aesthetic part – it definitely has all the classic DA elements.
As for the story itself, I personally found it enjoyable enough overall, though lacking in depth somewhat, especially as it came to some of the characters. I would've liked to see, know and understand them a bit more. But I still got an entertaining story of obsessive academia in a private school setting with a core group of friends who form a somewhat dysfunctional found family. And of course, there's a bit of murder mixed in, so the book met my expectations in those regards.
"If We Were Villains" is very obviously influenced by Tartt's "The Secret History", but if I had to compare the two, it's far from being a fair game – TSH wins out by far in my eyes. Still, I didn't really go into IWWV expecting both books to truly be in the same league more than I expected this one to be exactly what I got, which is "inspired by" and in many ways "an homage to" "The Secret History".
The academic obsession here revolves around Shakespeare and I could feel that at least some of the nuance of the book probably went over my head purely because I lack an in-depth understanding of Shakespeare's works. Nonetheless, I did love the pretentious (and coded) way the group spoke to each other via the Bard's quotes.
I'd recommend it if you're looking specifically for something that's meant to evoke those stereotypical dark academia aesthetic vibes but is at the same time relatively quick and easy to read.