thimblewhim's reviews
70 reviews
King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
Overall some interesting plot ideas that were chopped up lazily and thrown together piecemeal, drizzled with a spicy aioli on top.
The only detailed scenes were of sex/masturbation. Some interesting worldbuilding that all just falls flat or gets forgotten completely. I still don't get why Adrian cares for Isolde, and definitely don't know why she cares for him. She is a brat. Maybe bc he cares about consent? Let's stop rewarding men for doing the literal ☆ bare minimum.☆
Other than bonking it on the regular... The characters are absurdly horny. It's their only defining personality trait and the primary aspect of vamp culture in the worldbuilding. I strongly disagree with other reviewers that claim there was a lot of character development. There weren't any characters to develop? Just a bunch of horny people boning and biting.
I could summarize my review in one syllable: meh.
The only detailed scenes were of sex/masturbation. Some interesting worldbuilding that all just falls flat or gets forgotten completely. I still don't get why Adrian cares for Isolde, and definitely don't know why she cares for him. She is a brat. Maybe bc he cares about consent? Let's stop rewarding men for doing the literal ☆ bare minimum.☆
Other than bonking it on the regular... The characters are absurdly horny. It's their only defining personality trait and the primary aspect of vamp culture in the worldbuilding. I strongly disagree with other reviewers that claim there was a lot of character development. There weren't any characters to develop? Just a bunch of horny people boning and biting.
I could summarize my review in one syllable: meh.
A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Sigh. What a waste of time. I didn't realize it was just the entire first book reskinned through the Casteel's perspective. Sprinkled throughout is a jump to the current plot points - spoiler alert - which is just Poppy's big sleepy nap time, ending with the grand finale plot twist where she wakes up. [Insert sarcastic gasp here] There was nothing to be gained from reading this AT ALL - no new information or insight on the plot. Incredibly disappointing and so so boring. Wish I could get my money back
The Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout
adventurous
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
I enjoyed the book. I am enjoying the series. But there's a few things that irritate the hell out of me.
1. Iliseeum - why? Why?! WHY?! It's Elysium. We all know it's supposed to be Elysium. It isn't cute or creative or innovative to spell it the same way that a third grader would sound it out. Every time I see "Iliseeum" in the book, it makes me feel like my brain is on fire. Did the author or publishing house think this was cool? Or do they think their readers can't handle big words with y in it? It's already an anglicized Greek word. We don't need to mangle their beautiful culture, history, or language any more than we already have. I am going to struggle with this for the rest of the series I'm sure.
2. My personal pet peeve is when fantasy books take time out of our day to explain modern amenities. Wayyyy too much time was spent describing the magic of plumbing, electricity, and social mobility.... and multiple times!! Completely unnecessary. It's like when you're complaining about the airport and your uncle starts ranting about the magic that is air transit. No we shouldn't take our technology for granted. But for fucks sake I can only manage to read 10 pages a night before passing out from exhaustion. I need my escape. I don't need the concept of PLUMBING explained to me in a fantasy smut novel.
3. Really poor grammar throughout. Dear Editorial staff, how did you let this draft get through? When do you see couples "walking hand and hand"? That was just one. There were many other moments when I had to pause and rewrite some sentences in my head before moving on. I'm used to one or two typos but... big oof.
4. "I realized that each of his steps was in tune with the steady beat of the drum." ... you can step in TIME with a steady beat, but not in tune with them. Footsteps would be considered nonpitched percussion, especially since the ground is not usually a membranophone. To be in tune with a drum would suggest a melodic or pitch component. Perhaps if said drum was a timpani? Or other pitched drumhead? IDK
5. God/Goddess and deity are literally synonyms. I don't understand the logic behind making them mean different things in this world. Just come up with a new word instead? Or, since we're mangling mythology (see #1), how about you just use the word 'demigod'??? It is murky and confusing.
I'm sure I seem quite crazy aggressive and negative now, but I did very much enjoy the book. The story is compelling and yes I'm gonna march my whiny pedantic butt on over to downloading book 4. Don't get me wrong, it was a good time, problems not withstanding. The spicy scenes are spicy. And the story kept me interested and wanting to see what will come next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Sexual content, and Violence
Circe by Madeline Miller
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
River Woman, River Demon by Jennifer Givhan
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism and Domestic abuse
The High King by Lloyd Alexander
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? No
5.0
Astromythos: Book One by Jon Sideriadis
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
5.0
Words can hardly describe how incredible this book is. You will be immersed from the first illustration to the last word, and find yourself immediately craving book two. The epic poetry is a feat of literary genius that revives historical tradition in an engaging, modern way. Perfectly blending science, science fiction, and high fantasy, Astromythos creates a new genre: the astromythic. Sideriadis' artistic interpretation of personified stars is engaging, and the gorgeous illustrations are perfectly placed support the story and keep it accessible. The women of Astromythos are whole, unique and well written female characters. If I could give 10 stars out of 5, I would. I cannot wait to read more of this incredible series.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I lost count of the number of times that this book brought tears to my eyes and goosebumps to my arms. I feel so inspired to embrace the culture of gratitude and reciprocity. I learned a lot about indigenous culture and about the world and feel blessed with this knowledge. Robin Wall Kimmerer affirms my love for science and for nature with a writing style that feels like poetry from beginning to end. I will be reflecting on her words for many years to come. I don't say this lightly -- this will be added to my "Re-read this one day" bookshelf!
Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75