notsamwilson's reviews
66 reviews

Jade City by Fonda Lee

challenging dark sad tense 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

5.0

I am honestly scared about how the rest of this series is going to go. In a good way. I got so invested in these characters. Even the ones I didn’t like. This book was the best kind of soap opera in written form and I can imagine the rest of the series getting even crazier. Yes I have already cried.

I did struggle to read a physical copy of this so I switched to audio and the narrator was really good.

Epilogues for Lost Gods by Cat Rector
Did not finish book. Stopped at 43%.

I spent too long trying to read this and getting distracted by other books. When I came back to it I was too disconnected from the characters to enjoy it anymore.

Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

adventurous challenging emotional informative reflective 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

4.75

A great addition to the series. Tracy Deonn is good at what she does. You get an even bigger look at the struggles and injustice Bree and her ancestors have had to live through. You get to see the endurance and strength of Bree finding her place along both her ancestral paths and doing what she thinks she must to keep those she cares about safe. The cliffhanger ending was frustrating and impatiently waiting for 2025 and the next book.

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

adventurous hopeful 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

4.5

I honestly was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. I thought it was going to be too different from the first book. But it was perfect. A look into Viv’s life before Legends and Lattes. A good story about unexpected friendship with characters I came to truly love. They all had a feel of life to them that brought a little something extra to the story. I’m actually kind of sad I finished it and find myself hoping that we maybe get a reconnection of characters in another book. Travis has done a great job harnessing a sense of whimsy and I look forward to what he writes next.

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous challenging funny hopeful reflective 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

I waited so long to finish this book. I was in a bit of a slump and decided to pick this chonker back up. I couldn’t be happier I did. I was expecting a lot of flowery language, but it was so easy to read. At points I couldn’t believe I was getting through it so quickly. The characters are really relatable and there are funny parts. I loved it so much I’m having to tell myself I can’t speed run through the entire series. There is even a character I added to fictional characters I would fight. This book did make an impact on me and I can’t wait to read everything in the Cosmere, with breaks of course.

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne

adventurous funny lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

While this book may have been a slow read, it still was a good addition to the cozy fantasy genre. In small part reminiscent of dnd, it solidified the genre as a go to when I need a break from others. I loved the banter and the relationships between characters. I enjoyed how stubborn the two main characters were, but were able to acknowledge it and make efforts to change. The profession they both chose is something I sometimes dream about. And to have a small, close knit community. Which luckily, I do. I am looking forward to the second book.

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

emotional informative reflective sad tense 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

5.0

I generally don’t enjoy things with mech suits in them, but this book surprised me. I initially picked it up because it’s loosely based on Empress Wu Zetian. I think I would have enjoyed it even if it wasn’t. The main character showed strength despite her disability and loved who she wanted, even though it wasn’t socially acceptable. The twist at the end was unexpected but has me anxious for the next book. I enjoyed every one of the main characters and their growth.

The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni

adventurous informative mysterious reflective tense 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

5.0

A suspense filled story that had me guessing what was going to happen next through out the whole book. A book that reminded me why I love thrillers so much and of the Robert Langdon series. I did read this before knowing about the first book, which I now need to get. I loved the Initial D reference (it’s a favorite anime of mine). I’m thankful I had the opportunity to read this; it gave me a look into a culture I’m not familiar with and I enjoyed learning about it.

Soul of the Deep by Natasha Bowen

adventurous emotional reflective sad tense medium-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

4.25

A good conclusion to a duology so full of life and color. I enjoyed the extension into West African mythology; more was explained about creatures that weren’t Orisa. The character development with Simi and Kola was satisfying to see as they both came to terms with decisions made in Skin of the Sea and the con consequences of them. This book extended on the strength of the people in West Africa and how much their faith influences them. It makes me want to read more about these cultures. Thankfully, the author but a list in the back of the book for further reading.

Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen

adventurous hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A world full of life and color. Masterfully built in how it shows the West African deities. I was very easily able to picture every scene and feel the emotions of the gods. This book is a good introduction into the world of the Orisha and their creations. It also shows, even though they are devine, they have wants and feelings just like humans do.