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maryemmasivils's reviews
623 reviews
Baptism By Fire by
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I loved the concept for this book! A phoenix cursed to remain in human form who investigates crime AND believes in God? Yes, please!
I tend to stay away from most paranormal fiction because of all the icky, anti-Biblical stuff that tends to pop up in genre, so the Christian aspect here was just refreshing in general.
The main characters were a blast(especially Dante), and I really enjoyed the dynamic of their partnership.
(Dante’s, um…predicament with his clothes burning up. Oh, goodness! 😅I didn’t know whether to laugh or hide my face in embarrassment—or both.)
Now, maybe they seemed to grow protective of said partnership a little too quickly, and maybe Rick got over his disbelief in the paranormal a little too easily, but those were only minor nitpicks for me. I would have also liked more time spent fleshing out Rick’s background, but maybe that will come in the next installment.
This was a fun, fast-paced story with some gripping action! I’m definitely keeping an eye out for book 2!
I tend to stay away from most paranormal fiction because of all the icky, anti-Biblical stuff that tends to pop up in genre, so the Christian aspect here was just refreshing in general.
The main characters were a blast(especially Dante), and I really enjoyed the dynamic of their partnership.
(Dante’s, um…predicament with his clothes burning up. Oh, goodness! 😅I didn’t know whether to laugh or hide my face in embarrassment—or both.)
Now, maybe they seemed to grow protective of said partnership a little too quickly, and maybe Rick got over his disbelief in the paranormal a little too easily, but those were only minor nitpicks for me. I would have also liked more time spent fleshing out Rick’s background, but maybe that will come in the next installment.
This was a fun, fast-paced story with some gripping action! I’m definitely keeping an eye out for book 2!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a lot of fun, and so different from most of Sanderson’s books! Although, seeing as it’s narrated by Hoid, I shouldn’t have expected anything else.
I loved the unpredictable world of spore seas that Tress lives in, and I enjoyed the cast of characters—mostly. (Ulaam , you’re kind of creepy. But I guess I’ll give you a pass because of what you are. 😝) It was neat to get tidbits about other parts of the Cosmere without anything really going into spoiler territory.
There were a lot of crude references that were supposed to be funny, and that did get on my nerves. Also, I saw a plot twist coming fairly early on, which slightly disappointed me. Not because it was a bad twist—it was a GOOD one—but I was just hoping to be kept on my toes a little more.
But all in all, Tress of the Emerald Sea was jolly adventure! And, not gonna lie, I kind of want to collect cups now.
I loved the unpredictable world of spore seas that Tress lives in, and I enjoyed the cast of characters—mostly. (Ulaam , you’re kind of creepy. But I guess I’ll give you a pass because of what you are. 😝) It was neat to get tidbits about other parts of the Cosmere without anything really going into spoiler territory.
There were a lot of crude references that were supposed to be funny, and that did get on my nerves. Also, I saw a plot twist coming fairly early on, which slightly disappointed me. Not because it was a bad twist—it was a GOOD one—but I was just hoping to be kept on my toes a little more.
But all in all, Tress of the Emerald Sea was jolly adventure! And, not gonna lie, I kind of want to collect cups now.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing and Violence
Skies of Dripping Gold by Faye Fite
4.0
I definitely enjoyed this quick, little read. My only gripe...it was TOO quick! But then, that's usually how I feel about short stories. The length didn't affect the depth of the narrative. If you enjoy intriguing concepts, give this a try!
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
2.0
Interesting concept, but the end left me feeling cheated. I realize that with the first book in a series it's normal to leave some things unresolved, but there should at least be something the main characters accomplished. I didn't find that with this book.
Both of Me by Jonathan Friesen
1.0
I hate to leave one star for anybody's work, because I know how easy it is to be a critic and how hard it is to write a book. I'll leave it at this: If you prefer stories where the characters usually make rational, believable decisions, this might not be the book for you. It certainly wasn't for me.
Colors of Fear by Faye Fite
4.0
I'll definitely be coming back for more of the Terebinth Tree Chronicles! Colors of Fear left me wanting to know more about Wanderer and his world. The concept of the way he sees things was fascinating. And the relationship with his little brother? Heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.
If only short stories didn't have to be so...short. It ended just when I wanted it to keep going. But I'm encouraged by the fact that the story doesn't end there. I'm excited to check out the next one and have another glimpse into that world!
If only short stories didn't have to be so...short. It ended just when I wanted it to keep going. But I'm encouraged by the fact that the story doesn't end there. I'm excited to check out the next one and have another glimpse into that world!