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myleejmiller's reviews
105 reviews
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
In Hafsah Faizal's A Tempest Of Tea, Arthie is determined to keep the teahouse she runs alive, especially when her proprieter sells it out to her worst enemy due to her criminal deeds. When she's given the opportunity to save her business, friends, and livelihood from ruin, she takes it. Even thought it means she'll have to swindle the most powerful vampires in the city - and blackmail the king lording over them all.
I don't know what to say except that Hafsah Faizal has been a highly-requested author for me to read, and her books have been on my TBR for a long time. I was not disappointed by this read. Faizal's work is cunning, precise, and elegant. She paints such a vivid picture of these characters and this world that it feels like something that could've actually happened in the past - if only vampires truly existed! She's a master writer, who managed to tell a story unlike any other.
I'd say this novel is Leigh Bardugo's heist from Six Of Crows meets the elegant backdrop of stories like One Dark Window, An Ember In The Ashes, or The Bone Shard Daughter. This narrative is simply enthralling. An escape is what a reader seeks while reading - and this novel certainly gives readers that lush, dark, vivid escape! I didn't think another take on vampires was possible, but Faizal proved me wrong in the best way, all while inspiring me to write my own heist novel.
There were a few things that bothered me about the novel, however, and I never write a five star review without pointing out what could've been improved. I feel like some of the sentence structure made certain lines, fairly frequently (or enough to notice), hard to comprehend. There were several spots where I had to reread sentences for them to make sense, which slowed down my readthrough. I also think some of the plot twists (while I didn't see any of them coming-) weren't hinted at enough or blatantly enough to feel like true "aha-moments". They kind of sat between "I could've guessed this if I paid more attention" and "what is going on?" which isn't the best way to feel about twists: conflicted. I do love the connections made by those twists, however, and am excited to see where the sequel to this novel goes when it's released. I'm definitely going to pick up We Hunt The Flame, next, and see where Faizal's other stories take me.
I don't know what to say except that Hafsah Faizal has been a highly-requested author for me to read, and her books have been on my TBR for a long time. I was not disappointed by this read. Faizal's work is cunning, precise, and elegant. She paints such a vivid picture of these characters and this world that it feels like something that could've actually happened in the past - if only vampires truly existed! She's a master writer, who managed to tell a story unlike any other.
I'd say this novel is Leigh Bardugo's heist from Six Of Crows meets the elegant backdrop of stories like One Dark Window, An Ember In The Ashes, or The Bone Shard Daughter. This narrative is simply enthralling. An escape is what a reader seeks while reading - and this novel certainly gives readers that lush, dark, vivid escape! I didn't think another take on vampires was possible, but Faizal proved me wrong in the best way, all while inspiring me to write my own heist novel.
There were a few things that bothered me about the novel, however, and I never write a five star review without pointing out what could've been improved. I feel like some of the sentence structure made certain lines, fairly frequently (or enough to notice), hard to comprehend. There were several spots where I had to reread sentences for them to make sense, which slowed down my readthrough. I also think some of the plot twists (while I didn't see any of them coming-) weren't hinted at enough or blatantly enough to feel like true "aha-moments". They kind of sat between "I could've guessed this if I paid more attention" and "what is going on?" which isn't the best way to feel about twists: conflicted. I do love the connections made by those twists, however, and am excited to see where the sequel to this novel goes when it's released. I'm definitely going to pick up We Hunt The Flame, next, and see where Faizal's other stories take me.
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Signa Farrow has always been in solitude after her family dies and a fortune is left to her, which she can only access at age twenty. After her late aunt perishes by her hands and she unlocks a dangerous, deathly power, she's escorted to Thorn Grove - a manor of wonder, secrets, - and death. When Signa suspects a murderer stalking the halls of the manor and poisoning her sick cousin, she will do anything to stop them, even request the aid of death itself.
Oh. My. WORD. This book was phenomenal. Caraval meets Weyard in this lush, dark, and compelling narrative set in the early 1800s. Grace has a storytelling prowess like nobody I've ever known before. The characters were bone-deep and raw, the setting was vivid and immersive, and the mystery had me at the edge of my seat. This book is utterly magical. I couldn't get enough of the characters. By the last one-hundred pages, I had to take a breather because I was screaming at the cast and trying to uncover the killer.
While this book was, I emphasize, magnificent, I do think there were some things that came across as obvious (at least to me). The killer, for example, I knew from the first fifty pages by process of deduction. I don't think other readers will catch on as easily, however. I also think the major plot twist of the novel (outside of the killer's identity) was also obvious to me. Within the first twenty pages, I'd posted on Twitter about knowing what it was (even though I didn't realize it would become "the" twist).
This novel is everything I wanted in a fantasy narrative - bold, evocative, and mystically dreadful. I adore fantasy mysteries and cannot wait to read the rest of this series - alongside MANY other fantasy mysteries to come. Read it, read it, read it!
Oh. My. WORD. This book was phenomenal. Caraval meets Weyard in this lush, dark, and compelling narrative set in the early 1800s. Grace has a storytelling prowess like nobody I've ever known before. The characters were bone-deep and raw, the setting was vivid and immersive, and the mystery had me at the edge of my seat. This book is utterly magical. I couldn't get enough of the characters. By the last one-hundred pages, I had to take a breather because I was screaming at the cast and trying to uncover the killer.
While this book was, I emphasize, magnificent, I do think there were some things that came across as obvious (at least to me). The killer, for example, I knew from the first fifty pages by process of deduction. I don't think other readers will catch on as easily, however. I also think the major plot twist of the novel (outside of the killer's identity) was also obvious to me. Within the first twenty pages, I'd posted on Twitter about knowing what it was (even though I didn't realize it would become "the" twist).
This novel is everything I wanted in a fantasy narrative - bold, evocative, and mystically dreadful. I adore fantasy mysteries and cannot wait to read the rest of this series - alongside MANY other fantasy mysteries to come. Read it, read it, read it!
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
In A Study In Drowning by Ava Reid, Effy Sayre is a steadfast believer in all things magic and mythical - especially when it comes to the tales of her favorite author. Stuck in architecture college while dreaming about becoming a literature student, she seeks a way to prove herself in the only way she can: by taking on a job to rebuild her favorite, now-deceased, author's ruined home. But Emrys Myrddin's house isn't all natural, and by visiting it, she might just uncover the truth of magic and reality... alongside how they come together.
This book is the first novel I have read, in years, that kept me thinking about it during all hours of the day. I stayed up all night to read it, finishing it in less than two days whereas all my other reads this year have taken me weeks to finish. It was, by definition, unputdownable. I couldn't get over this lush, gritty, alluring story. It's everything I didn't know I needed in a fantasy book. Although, perhaps I'm biased as a writer who picked this story up as a potential comp title.
A Study In Drowning is dark, immersive, and magical - in all the darkest, best possible ways. It was a story I'm not soon to forget. I don't often feel the desire to reread books outside of childhood favorites, but this novel made me want to pick it up and read it until the binding fell off. It was so good it made me grit my teeth and cry out when devastation plagued the plot. It was extraordinary, a life-changing narrative. Ava Reid has quickly climbed the ranks to become one of my favorite authors and I cannot wait to dig into her other stories.
There likely were problems with the novel, but I couldn't see them as immersed as I was. Definitely give this book a read if you ever have the chance, and follow Reid!
This book is the first novel I have read, in years, that kept me thinking about it during all hours of the day. I stayed up all night to read it, finishing it in less than two days whereas all my other reads this year have taken me weeks to finish. It was, by definition, unputdownable. I couldn't get over this lush, gritty, alluring story. It's everything I didn't know I needed in a fantasy book. Although, perhaps I'm biased as a writer who picked this story up as a potential comp title.
A Study In Drowning is dark, immersive, and magical - in all the darkest, best possible ways. It was a story I'm not soon to forget. I don't often feel the desire to reread books outside of childhood favorites, but this novel made me want to pick it up and read it until the binding fell off. It was so good it made me grit my teeth and cry out when devastation plagued the plot. It was extraordinary, a life-changing narrative. Ava Reid has quickly climbed the ranks to become one of my favorite authors and I cannot wait to dig into her other stories.
There likely were problems with the novel, but I couldn't see them as immersed as I was. Definitely give this book a read if you ever have the chance, and follow Reid!
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
In One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, Elspeth Spindle is a survivor of the sickness - sickness that grants terrible magic and ends with those who grow ill being executed to avoid their magic's ruin. When her powers are discovered and a promise for a cure is presented, she must decide: try to find the cure and risk exposing the true cause behind her magic, or living the rest of her life in fearful solitude. But when her power grows and threats emerge, her life risks being the cost of a cure - and she will never be the same.
This book was, first and foremost, wickedly delightful. It was so easy to get lost in the narrative and the storyline. There were no major discrepancies that pulled at my attention and the world was deep, vivid, and masterful. The characters were relatable, their relationships authentic, and I loved every single page of it. My favorite part of Gillig's writing, I think, is the way she describes the magic. It was entracing to learn about the different magics. It reminded me of a story born from Caraval meets Mistborn - absolutely memorable.
While there weren't any major errors that drew my attention, I'll admit that the writing style was a bit difficult for me to get by in the first part of the novel. Gillig doesn't use many contractions, which made several sentences longer than they needed to be. I also would've liked to see more of a motivator (more clearly stated) as to why Elspeth kept her powers a secret - especially at the start, when she wasn't attached to anyone else.
Otherwise, the story is well worth it. Read it, read it, read it!
This book was, first and foremost, wickedly delightful. It was so easy to get lost in the narrative and the storyline. There were no major discrepancies that pulled at my attention and the world was deep, vivid, and masterful. The characters were relatable, their relationships authentic, and I loved every single page of it. My favorite part of Gillig's writing, I think, is the way she describes the magic. It was entracing to learn about the different magics. It reminded me of a story born from Caraval meets Mistborn - absolutely memorable.
While there weren't any major errors that drew my attention, I'll admit that the writing style was a bit difficult for me to get by in the first part of the novel. Gillig doesn't use many contractions, which made several sentences longer than they needed to be. I also would've liked to see more of a motivator (more clearly stated) as to why Elspeth kept her powers a secret - especially at the start, when she wasn't attached to anyone else.
Otherwise, the story is well worth it. Read it, read it, read it!
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
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? Yes
5.0
In A Court Of Mist And Fury, Feyre has just begun to discover the mysteries of Prythian and the world of the fae. While her husband-to-be, Tamlin, begins to lock her away and the Lord of the Night Court Rhysand fails to draw her from Tamlin's home, war brews. And nobody will leave the battles the same.
I don't know what I expected from this novel, but I knew everyone who I know that read ACOTAR absolutely ADORED the second book. Usually, it's seen as a fan favorite. And after reading it, I can see why. This book was devastating, terribly glorious, and action-packed. A downright wonder of a novel and an unforgettable experience. I've never read anything like it, nor have I read anything so immersive.
I usually point out things the books I read could do better, but I was so tuned in to this story and its characters that I couldn't draw myself out to think critically. It was masterful, a piece of art in bound form. I cannot wait to explore the rest of the novel and see what the remainder of the series has in store. Bring this masterpiece on!
I don't know what I expected from this novel, but I knew everyone who I know that read ACOTAR absolutely ADORED the second book. Usually, it's seen as a fan favorite. And after reading it, I can see why. This book was devastating, terribly glorious, and action-packed. A downright wonder of a novel and an unforgettable experience. I've never read anything like it, nor have I read anything so immersive.
I usually point out things the books I read could do better, but I was so tuned in to this story and its characters that I couldn't draw myself out to think critically. It was masterful, a piece of art in bound form. I cannot wait to explore the rest of the novel and see what the remainder of the series has in store. Bring this masterpiece on!
Weyward by Emilia Hart
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
In Amelia Hart's debut novel, Weyward, three women across the span of time but belonging to the same bloodline have inherited the same magic: the ability to work with animals and plants, to be welcomed by them. Altha. Violet. Kate. All suffer from the lusts and greed of men in their life, and all wish to escape - but every freedom comes with a sacrifice, one they must decide in their own stories they are willing to pay.
Oh my WORD! I blinked once. I blinked twice - and then I'd finished the book. My word, this was a phenomenal debut. It was a bit confusing at first, and a little bit explanatory rather than "showing" or descriptive, but it worked so well with Hart's voice. I could vividly imagine these women and their stories, the things they suffered seemed so real. Although the finale was a tad predictable, especially through one of the women's perspectives, it was such a powerful and moving story.
I've never considered myself a feminist, but I think this story brings to light a problem many women face: the abuse of men. This is the kind of narrative that people need to hear, to engrain into their bones. A story of power, heartbreak, and strength - what else could you want in a marvelous narrative? I think this easily made it to the top of my "favorites" shelf. I want to read stories like this again and again. Truly, Hart has helped me realize my love for historical fantasy and the tremendous tales that history mixed with the mystic can tell.
Oh my WORD! I blinked once. I blinked twice - and then I'd finished the book. My word, this was a phenomenal debut. It was a bit confusing at first, and a little bit explanatory rather than "showing" or descriptive, but it worked so well with Hart's voice. I could vividly imagine these women and their stories, the things they suffered seemed so real. Although the finale was a tad predictable, especially through one of the women's perspectives, it was such a powerful and moving story.
I've never considered myself a feminist, but I think this story brings to light a problem many women face: the abuse of men. This is the kind of narrative that people need to hear, to engrain into their bones. A story of power, heartbreak, and strength - what else could you want in a marvelous narrative? I think this easily made it to the top of my "favorites" shelf. I want to read stories like this again and again. Truly, Hart has helped me realize my love for historical fantasy and the tremendous tales that history mixed with the mystic can tell.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
In A Court Of Thorns And Roses by Sara J. Maas, Feyre is a hunter by need rather than by choice. After vowing to her now-dead mother to protect her remaining family in the slums of society, she's stuck on the border of faerie lands and hunts to survive starvation alongside her family members. But when she kills a wolf that turns out to be a rogue faerie, she's forced away from home and into the lands of the people she so hates.
ACOTAR was one of those books I heard everything about but didn't know when to start reading. I am always wary of hyped and celebrated books, despite them usually being just as good as readers say. That being said, I did really enjoy this story and have already purchased the second installment. It was enjoyable, easy to read - really what I needed as stress compounded in my life these past few weeks. I look forward to reading the next book and seeing how things develop.
My main conflicts with this novel were that a) the scene setting was sub-par and could've been better emphasized, and more importantly b) I felt like the ending come out of nowhere. It didn't feel clear to me that the ending would be what happened. Even though Maas tried to execute an "aha" moment, all I felt was confused. Otherwise, it was an enjoyable read.
ACOTAR was one of those books I heard everything about but didn't know when to start reading. I am always wary of hyped and celebrated books, despite them usually being just as good as readers say. That being said, I did really enjoy this story and have already purchased the second installment. It was enjoyable, easy to read - really what I needed as stress compounded in my life these past few weeks. I look forward to reading the next book and seeing how things develop.
My main conflicts with this novel were that a) the scene setting was sub-par and could've been better emphasized, and more importantly b) I felt like the ending come out of nowhere. It didn't feel clear to me that the ending would be what happened. Even though Maas tried to execute an "aha" moment, all I felt was confused. Otherwise, it was an enjoyable read.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
In The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, Jude Duarte is whisked away to the lands of Faerie after her parents are murdered. Taken in by her family's killer, alongside her two sisters, she learns to love and live among the folk. But when the king of Faerie deigns to step down from his throne, politics arise and secret agendas abound. Including her own. Her desire to prove herself worthy of being in faerieland, even as a human, will either be her undoing or bring forth her ascension.
I cannot believe I waited so long to read this book. I heard wonderful things from many of my friends and the social media influencers I follow, but I have a bad tendency to avoid reading books I hear a lot of amazing things about. This book was un-put-downable. I blinked and I finished it. This is a book worth screaming over, worth crying over. The characters were vivid and raw, realistic and harrowing in a way so many YA novels are afraid to be with their protagonists.
Black's take on Faeries and Faerieland is so immersive and unique that I found myself in the scene. This book is enthralling, rich, and luxurious. It's unlike any YA book I've read before. I can see why Black is so infamous among readers and cannot wait to read her other works, including the other books in The Cruel Prince trilogy. Let the politicking, the scheming, and the danger commence!
I cannot believe I waited so long to read this book. I heard wonderful things from many of my friends and the social media influencers I follow, but I have a bad tendency to avoid reading books I hear a lot of amazing things about. This book was un-put-downable. I blinked and I finished it. This is a book worth screaming over, worth crying over. The characters were vivid and raw, realistic and harrowing in a way so many YA novels are afraid to be with their protagonists.
Black's take on Faeries and Faerieland is so immersive and unique that I found myself in the scene. This book is enthralling, rich, and luxurious. It's unlike any YA book I've read before. I can see why Black is so infamous among readers and cannot wait to read her other works, including the other books in The Cruel Prince trilogy. Let the politicking, the scheming, and the danger commence!
Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
In Rhythm Of War, the fourth book of The Stormlight Archives, Kaladin is discharged from battle. But with his discharge brings disarray, as Urithiru is attacked, Navani is endangered, and the enemies of the Knights Radiant grow ever more powerful.
I will start that explaining the plot of a book so thick like I did above, without spoilers, is incredibly difficult. I will second that with this book felt like diving into a realistic, incredible world. I would get so immersed in the characters and their stories that I couldn't put the book down. It did take me a year to read this book (I didn't read it all at once) but the time I spent with it was time I enjoyed and time for me to understand the lush and expansive world of the cosmere better.
Brandon Sanderson is the king of worldbuilding and characters. He makes the hardest writing habits seem effortless and combines an empathetic understanding of human beings and literature with a drive that shows through his works. I love being able to read his books and now I'm getting what I'm promised: an epic action fantasy with lots of moral depth. Rhythm Of War was a *perfect* set up for the final book in the first genetation of Stormlight. I can't wait to see what comes next!
I will start that explaining the plot of a book so thick like I did above, without spoilers, is incredibly difficult. I will second that with this book felt like diving into a realistic, incredible world. I would get so immersed in the characters and their stories that I couldn't put the book down. It did take me a year to read this book (I didn't read it all at once) but the time I spent with it was time I enjoyed and time for me to understand the lush and expansive world of the cosmere better.
Brandon Sanderson is the king of worldbuilding and characters. He makes the hardest writing habits seem effortless and combines an empathetic understanding of human beings and literature with a drive that shows through his works. I love being able to read his books and now I'm getting what I'm promised: an epic action fantasy with lots of moral depth. Rhythm Of War was a *perfect* set up for the final book in the first genetation of Stormlight. I can't wait to see what comes next!
So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
In So Let Them Burn, Kamilah Cole's debut fantasy novel, Faron Vincent would do anything to save her sister, Elara. But when her sister bonds with an enemy nation's dragon and the peace between their post-war civilizations begins to topple, her loyalty is put to the test. If she wants to save her sister, she needs to give up everything - including the future and partner she desires most.
Each time I sat down to read this book, it didn't feel like I was reading. It felt like I was a spectator in a miraculous real-time world that is not my own. Reading this book was like diving into fantasy stories for the first time. So Let Them Burn, in totality, was a breath of fresh air. I loved every second of it. It was a phenomenal debut, but also so thrilling and enthralling. I couldn't put it down when I read it and had to pace myself just to enjoy it more. This book is utterly fantastic, hands-down one of the best fantasy debuts of this year.
The only plot hole I saw in this story was at one point after the midpoint, Elara was called an "excellent fighter" but then a "bad fighter" during one of the fight scenes. I think it was an error more so than a convenience trope to get her out of her current situation, but it's something my attention did snag on while I was reading. Otherwise, this book is SO well not. Completely satisfying, from page one to the climax! Read it, read it, read it!!!
Each time I sat down to read this book, it didn't feel like I was reading. It felt like I was a spectator in a miraculous real-time world that is not my own. Reading this book was like diving into fantasy stories for the first time. So Let Them Burn, in totality, was a breath of fresh air. I loved every second of it. It was a phenomenal debut, but also so thrilling and enthralling. I couldn't put it down when I read it and had to pace myself just to enjoy it more. This book is utterly fantastic, hands-down one of the best fantasy debuts of this year.
The only plot hole I saw in this story was at one point after the midpoint, Elara was called an "excellent fighter" but then a "bad fighter" during one of the fight scenes. I think it was an error more so than a convenience trope to get her out of her current situation, but it's something my attention did snag on while I was reading. Otherwise, this book is SO well not. Completely satisfying, from page one to the climax! Read it, read it, read it!!!