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129 reviews
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
fast-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? No
4.5
Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
The Gilded Cage by Lynette Noni
adventurous
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
4.5
The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
adventurous
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? No
4.25
I really enjoyed it and would give it 4.25 stars. It was easy to read and follow, I liked the main character Kiva and how we uncovered her past and her struggles beyond the obvious, how she's abrasive because she has to be, but obviously has a ton of feelings going on and during the book struggles with getting close to people. I also think the book had the right mix of hinting where you could notice something was off and something wasn't as it seemed without it being immediately too obvious. I had theories about who and what some characters were and it mostly worked out correctly but it wasn't annoyingly apparent. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.75
What an amazing world building! I was immediately swept into the story, felt like everything was learned and revealed so naturally, characters were vibrant, I cried a bunch
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death
When Shadows Grow Tall by Maressa Voss
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.75
When Shadows Grow Tall is a debut fantasy novel that introduces you to two compelling storylines that later merge.
Rangers Gunnar and Lovelace are a sort of long suffering, likeable pair that I enjoyed, I looked forward to their dynamics when dealing with problems and especially uncooperative people. Meanwhile, Kylene's personality and her story was definitely something that propelled me forward while reading, I love a good questing heroine!
Voss's lyrical and descriptive style of writing brings world to life - immersion is pretty easy.
Overall, When Shadows Grow Tall is a great choice for fantasy enthusiasts, showcasing the talent of a promising new author.
I was provided an ARC copy in exchange for honest review, thank you to NetGalley.
Rangers Gunnar and Lovelace are a sort of long suffering, likeable pair that I enjoyed, I looked forward to their dynamics when dealing with problems and especially uncooperative people. Meanwhile, Kylene's personality and her story was definitely something that propelled me forward while reading, I love a good questing heroine!
Voss's lyrical and descriptive style of writing brings world to life - immersion is pretty easy.
Overall, When Shadows Grow Tall is a great choice for fantasy enthusiasts, showcasing the talent of a promising new author.
I was provided an ARC copy in exchange for honest review, thank you to NetGalley.
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Loved this one! One Dark Window was a captivating tale balancing a Gothic ambiance with a dynamic plot. The pacing is a standout feature - you get an atmospheric start, learn about the world and and then you're propelled through a thrilling journey filled with action.
The quality of writing was great, carrying all the things the book wanted to do.
The main character Elspeth is mostly shown and built through the lens of various relationships, but because the dynamics and interactions are fairly diverse, it works. It also makes sense, since from the moment we meet her, she's not alone and has been shaped by that particular experience of sharing her mind.
In terms of relationships, definitely a special shout out to Ionte, I want more of her, and the sort-of enemies to lovers romance was also done well and the chemistry was quite sparkling.
Overall, One Dark Window is a well-crafted tale that masterfully combines atmosphere, plot, and character dynamics.
The quality of writing was great, carrying all the things the book wanted to do.
The main character Elspeth is mostly shown and built through the lens of various relationships, but because the dynamics and interactions are fairly diverse, it works. It also makes sense, since from the moment we meet her, she's not alone and has been shaped by that particular experience of sharing her mind.
In terms of relationships, definitely a special shout out to Ionte, I want more of her, and the sort-of enemies to lovers romance was also done well and the chemistry was quite sparkling.
Overall, One Dark Window is a well-crafted tale that masterfully combines atmosphere, plot, and character dynamics.