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montrez's reviews
98 reviews
You Can't Sniff The Internet by Rosalind Wulf
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, character-driven sci-fi with empowering diverse representation and a refreshingly unique voice, check out You Can’t Sniff the Internet by Rosalind Wulf .
What I liked:
💜 The dedication
The dedication speaks to the heart of this book. It’s beautiful 😍
💜Am unlikely hero you can’t help but root for.
Lillian goes from being an ordinary, unmotivated gamer to an accidental hero and pioneer. I don’t want to write any spoilers, so let’s just say Lillian’s character arc is powerful and inspiring. Lillian’s character is raw, brazen and yet vulnerable and relatable.
💜Satisfying twists and turns
There are some developments in the story that are both surprising and enjoyable to see unfold. If you pay close attention, you may catch on to what’s taking place, but even if you do guess what’s happening, it’s so well written you won’t be disappointed.
💜Unique world building
Wulf creates a world full of bizarre wonder and possibilities that blends generations, cultures, perspectives and more in ways that speak to the prevailing issues of our society and illustrates a thoughtful exploration of a new hypothetical world.
Do note:
- There are some things you may still have questions about after reading but not quite in a bad sense. The story explores theories and perspectives that may be fun conversation amongst science lovers and bookish minds.
- Some of the characters depicted lacked depth of the main and supporting characters, but I think this was intentional as they seemed to represent a general type of person that we may all encounter at least once in our lives. While I typically prefer complex characters, I think the general feel of certain characters worked well with the voice, pace and mood of the story.
Wulf explores concepts of time, identity, purpose and life and death through a unique lens that is bold, thoughtful, and sincere. I look forward to seeing what’s next.
Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy of this ebook. I am leaving a voluntary review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own.
What I liked:
💜 The dedication
The dedication speaks to the heart of this book. It’s beautiful 😍
💜Am unlikely hero you can’t help but root for.
Lillian goes from being an ordinary, unmotivated gamer to an accidental hero and pioneer. I don’t want to write any spoilers, so let’s just say Lillian’s character arc is powerful and inspiring. Lillian’s character is raw, brazen and yet vulnerable and relatable.
💜Satisfying twists and turns
There are some developments in the story that are both surprising and enjoyable to see unfold. If you pay close attention, you may catch on to what’s taking place, but even if you do guess what’s happening, it’s so well written you won’t be disappointed.
💜Unique world building
Wulf creates a world full of bizarre wonder and possibilities that blends generations, cultures, perspectives and more in ways that speak to the prevailing issues of our society and illustrates a thoughtful exploration of a new hypothetical world.
Do note:
- There are some things you may still have questions about after reading but not quite in a bad sense. The story explores theories and perspectives that may be fun conversation amongst science lovers and bookish minds.
- Some of the characters depicted lacked depth of the main and supporting characters, but I think this was intentional as they seemed to represent a general type of person that we may all encounter at least once in our lives. While I typically prefer complex characters, I think the general feel of certain characters worked well with the voice, pace and mood of the story.
Wulf explores concepts of time, identity, purpose and life and death through a unique lens that is bold, thoughtful, and sincere. I look forward to seeing what’s next.
Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy of this ebook. I am leaving a voluntary review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own.
The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
Leslye Penelope has created a masterpiece. Now I want to add all her books to cart!
Let me start by saying I typically prefer speculative fiction in contemporary settings, but the fusion of a ghost talking heroine, the Harlem Renaissance era, and high stakes supernatural quests (heists)… yes, please.
What I really loved:
- The writing is immersive and compelling. The voice and tone of the story feels so authentic to the time period— from the dialogue and slang to the style of storytelling. Reading this book felt like time travel.
- Rich, nuanced and well written diverse representation . I love character driven books, and even though the plot was unique, the depth and complexity of the characters, and the sophisticated considerations for diverse representation really made this story shine. Penelope included characters of various backgrounds and addresses things such as sexuality, age, sociology-economical backgrounds, colorism and more.
- Family and found family chemistry was fantastic. I especially loved the relationship between Clara and her grandmother, and friendship/sisterhood she found with Zelda.
- The world building on ghosts and the supernatural was unique and refreshing. The antagonists (Enigmas), the ghosts, and the way the characters abilities worked (as well as their origin) was another one of my favorite aspects of this book. The lore behind the supernatural and the way it works is rich and complex enough to be intriguing but not overwhelming or confusing ( no boring info dumps here).
- Historical name-dropping helped balance the heavier aspects of social commentary. It’s hard not to mention aspects of racism and social justice and trauma, particularly in the time period this story was set in. While these aspects are a very present focus, Penelope name drops celebrated, historical figures in a fun, creative way.
Note:
The ending felt a little abrupt , but the overall story is very satisfying with potential for future books.
CW: There is mention of racism, colorism, imprisonment, and parent abandonment.
Thank you to Redhook Books and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this ebook. I am leaving a voluntary review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own.
Let me start by saying I typically prefer speculative fiction in contemporary settings, but the fusion of a ghost talking heroine, the Harlem Renaissance era, and high stakes supernatural quests (heists)… yes, please.
What I really loved:
- The writing is immersive and compelling. The voice and tone of the story feels so authentic to the time period— from the dialogue and slang to the style of storytelling. Reading this book felt like time travel.
- Rich, nuanced and well written diverse representation . I love character driven books, and even though the plot was unique, the depth and complexity of the characters, and the sophisticated considerations for diverse representation really made this story shine. Penelope included characters of various backgrounds and addresses things such as sexuality, age, sociology-economical backgrounds, colorism and more.
- Family and found family chemistry was fantastic. I especially loved the relationship between Clara and her grandmother, and friendship/sisterhood she found with Zelda.
- The world building on ghosts and the supernatural was unique and refreshing. The antagonists (Enigmas), the ghosts, and the way the characters abilities worked (as well as their origin) was another one of my favorite aspects of this book. The lore behind the supernatural and the way it works is rich and complex enough to be intriguing but not overwhelming or confusing ( no boring info dumps here).
- Historical name-dropping helped balance the heavier aspects of social commentary. It’s hard not to mention aspects of racism and social justice and trauma, particularly in the time period this story was set in. While these aspects are a very present focus, Penelope name drops celebrated, historical figures in a fun, creative way.
Note:
The ending felt a little abrupt , but the overall story is very satisfying with potential for future books.
CW: There is mention of racism, colorism, imprisonment, and parent abandonment.
Thank you to Redhook Books and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this ebook. I am leaving a voluntary review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own.
Wolves of Duty by Charlotte Murphy
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Bad Witch Burning by Jessica Lewis
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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
Echoes of the Crown by S. McPherson
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
This book is epic fantasy romance packed with lots of heart, high stakes, and sweeping romance. A whirlwind of a read, it will pull you into the pages for a wild, fantastical ride that will leave a lasting impression sure to inspire you well after you’re finished reading.
💜 Fierce female leads and loads of black girl magic
I loved both of the female lead characters (Larayne/Lenka and Ayre). These characters were compelling and relatable. They were brave, smart, strong and fierce but they weren’t invincible.
They had moments of weakness, of vulnerability, and quite a few predicaments that left them in tough situations. I love how they didn’t succeed at everything. They had scars, they bled, but they kept fighting and didn’t back down.
This story is told from multiple POVs. I typically prefer single POVs because I usually connect better with one character over others. But I enjoyed all povs in this book. (Ayre was my favorite, though).
💜Unique setting and immersive world building
I love the settings in this book. It switches back and forth between the stunning supernatural Kingdom of Noraquros (where the people have long life spans unique elemental abilities) and a unique portrayal of Spain.
While the Noraquros setting did feel more established, I appreciated the fact that the less fantastical setting took place in a location and time period not frequently explored in the manner that McPherson writes it. I found it refreshing, and the hint of possible pirate adventures in the sequel is intriguing too.
Another aspect of the world building I appreciated was the use of language. McPherson’s use of slang and language native to her setting further immersed me into the world and cultures she created.
One of the biggest highlights of this book was McPherson’s unique take on elemental magic/abilities. I loved how the different elemental powers were described and the characteristics that came with them. The characters were powerful but they had believable and realistic weaknesses that enhanced the story.
💜Quotable, memorable lines
The writing was beautiful. Not in a purple prose, excessively flowery kind of way, but in a way that resonates even after the book is closed and you’re finished reading.
Some of the lines I really enjoyed:
- ‘You were once incredibly powerful beings, a raging fire. But in every life, that power fades. Now,’ she waved her teaspoon in my direction, ‘you are the ashes. Ashes of legends. Echoes of a fallen crown.’
- “if you’re going to cause a scene, make it unforgettable.”
- “With her gaze lifted to the stars, Appollonia desperately clung to some beauty left in the world when she was surrounded by such ugliness.”
- ‘Pesky things, aren’t they? Hearts.’ His breath shuddered across the tip of my ear. ‘They seem to remember things even when the mind forgets.’
💜The fast paced, nail-biting action
There were a few times I didn’t think some of the characters would make it out alive. McPherson does an excellent job of creating tension, high stakes and realistic, believable conflict. She makes her characters work for their victories , and rarely do they leave a battle or situation unscathed.
Romance Level: 😍 Swoon-worthy
If you love fated lovers with sizzling chemistry plagued by tragic curses don’t sleep on this! There is also at least one other potential romance with great banter and slow burn potential (my favorite).
📌Please note:
- Cliffhanger alert! I’m hoping book 2 will answer some of the nagging, unanswered questions I have about some of the minor/supporting characters. This isn’t a bad thing though. I guess I’m just really invested and can’t wait to read more😆
- Content Warnings: executions, child death, death of parent, assault, mention of poverty and hunger, serious physical injury, mention of maiming/violent acts
💜 Fierce female leads and loads of black girl magic
I loved both of the female lead characters (Larayne/Lenka and Ayre). These characters were compelling and relatable. They were brave, smart, strong and fierce but they weren’t invincible.
They had moments of weakness, of vulnerability, and quite a few predicaments that left them in tough situations. I love how they didn’t succeed at everything. They had scars, they bled, but they kept fighting and didn’t back down.
This story is told from multiple POVs. I typically prefer single POVs because I usually connect better with one character over others. But I enjoyed all povs in this book. (Ayre was my favorite, though).
💜Unique setting and immersive world building
I love the settings in this book. It switches back and forth between the stunning supernatural Kingdom of Noraquros (where the people have long life spans unique elemental abilities) and a unique portrayal of Spain.
While the Noraquros setting did feel more established, I appreciated the fact that the less fantastical setting took place in a location and time period not frequently explored in the manner that McPherson writes it. I found it refreshing, and the hint of possible pirate adventures in the sequel is intriguing too.
Another aspect of the world building I appreciated was the use of language. McPherson’s use of slang and language native to her setting further immersed me into the world and cultures she created.
One of the biggest highlights of this book was McPherson’s unique take on elemental magic/abilities. I loved how the different elemental powers were described and the characteristics that came with them. The characters were powerful but they had believable and realistic weaknesses that enhanced the story.
💜Quotable, memorable lines
The writing was beautiful. Not in a purple prose, excessively flowery kind of way, but in a way that resonates even after the book is closed and you’re finished reading.
Some of the lines I really enjoyed:
- ‘You were once incredibly powerful beings, a raging fire. But in every life, that power fades. Now,’ she waved her teaspoon in my direction, ‘you are the ashes. Ashes of legends. Echoes of a fallen crown.’
- “if you’re going to cause a scene, make it unforgettable.”
- “With her gaze lifted to the stars, Appollonia desperately clung to some beauty left in the world when she was surrounded by such ugliness.”
- ‘Pesky things, aren’t they? Hearts.’ His breath shuddered across the tip of my ear. ‘They seem to remember things even when the mind forgets.’
💜The fast paced, nail-biting action
There were a few times I didn’t think some of the characters would make it out alive. McPherson does an excellent job of creating tension, high stakes and realistic, believable conflict. She makes her characters work for their victories , and rarely do they leave a battle or situation unscathed.
Romance Level: 😍 Swoon-worthy
If you love fated lovers with sizzling chemistry plagued by tragic curses don’t sleep on this! There is also at least one other potential romance with great banter and slow burn potential (my favorite).
📌Please note:
- Cliffhanger alert! I’m hoping book 2 will answer some of the nagging, unanswered questions I have about some of the minor/supporting characters. This isn’t a bad thing though. I guess I’m just really invested and can’t wait to read more😆
- Content Warnings: executions, child death, death of parent, assault, mention of poverty and hunger, serious physical injury, mention of maiming/violent acts