tinyelfarcanist's reviews
275 reviews
Born of No Man, by Tracy Cooper-Posey
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is part of a series of historical romances set in an Arthurian setting. They share some notable characters while following different storylines with minor ones. I'm glad I had forgotten what this book was about when I started it so I could be surprised by the reveals.
Many characters are named on the first pages and it was hard to keep track of them. There's so much lore packed in this short book, foretelling an epic series.
I only found our protagonist and a secondary character likeable. The love interest is justified in his toxicity because he lost everyone he loved. He is sexist, violent, and impulsive. Their relationship develops too fast, and for an enemies-to-lovers arc, I found it lacking.
One character promises another to teach them how to write so they can send an urgent letter. I would’ve loved to see how that went.
I loved the writing style and it’s clear there was effort put into the world-building. The issue is the focus was somewhere else. I would've liked for it to be a little longer so every element had the deserved attention.
Many characters are named on the first pages and it was hard to keep track of them. There's so much lore packed in this short book, foretelling an epic series.
I only found our protagonist and a secondary character likeable. The love interest is justified in his toxicity because he lost everyone he loved. He is sexist, violent, and impulsive. Their relationship develops too fast, and for an enemies-to-lovers arc, I found it lacking.
One character promises another to teach them how to write so they can send an urgent letter. I would’ve loved to see how that went.
I loved the writing style and it’s clear there was effort put into the world-building. The issue is the focus was somewhere else. I would've liked for it to be a little longer so every element had the deserved attention.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Xenophobia, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Torture, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Pregnancy, Grief, Alcohol, Fire/Fire injury, Misogyny, Death, and Alcoholism
Minor: Slavery, Injury/injury detail, and War
Of Honey and Wildfires, by Sarah Chorn
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is the story of the Esco dynasty, born from one man's sacrifice. And about a man that married into it and built a family.
It's a tale of grief, and how the outside world continues even when one's own universe crumbles down.
It's told in three different POVs: A young man (Arlen) who's presented with a red pill/blue pill decision; the coming of age of a girl (Cassandra) that lived lifetimes in her young years; and a dying girl (Ianthe) who's leaving this world and taking Cassandra's with it.
I found the prose in Ianthe’s chapters a little flowery for my taste, but they are short and sparse. If you like purple prose, you’ll love them, though.
I also had trouble with some of Cassandra's chapters, especially from when she was younger. Her dialogue felt stilted and unlike how a 5yo speaks.
Arlen's chapters were definitely my favourites and the ones that drive the story forward as they take place closer to present events. In a short period, he will discover a lot about his life and experience powerful emotions for the first time.
The author created a fascinating world where the magic resource (shine) encompasses every field as it can heal, heat, conserve, and be a powerful drug. The beautiful description of the scenery made me crave an adaptation.
I was warned of Chorn's books, and this still managed to ambush me. If you're planning to read one of her books, be ready to get your heart ripped out.
It's a tale of grief, and how the outside world continues even when one's own universe crumbles down.
It's told in three different POVs: A young man (Arlen) who's presented with a red pill/blue pill decision; the coming of age of a girl (Cassandra) that lived lifetimes in her young years; and a dying girl (Ianthe) who's leaving this world and taking Cassandra's with it.
I found the prose in Ianthe’s chapters a little flowery for my taste, but they are short and sparse. If you like purple prose, you’ll love them, though.
I also had trouble with some of Cassandra's chapters, especially from when she was younger. Her dialogue felt stilted and unlike how a 5yo speaks.
Arlen's chapters were definitely my favourites and the ones that drive the story forward as they take place closer to present events. In a short period, he will discover a lot about his life and experience powerful emotions for the first time.
The author created a fascinating world where the magic resource (shine) encompasses every field as it can heal, heat, conserve, and be a powerful drug. The beautiful description of the scenery made me crave an adaptation.
I was warned of Chorn's books, and this still managed to ambush me. If you're planning to read one of her books, be ready to get your heart ripped out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Racism, Terminal illness, Drug abuse, Addiction, Bullying, Grief, Blood, Drug use, Self harm, and Suicide
Moderate: Police brutality, Abandonment, Deadnaming, Sexual assault, Transphobia, Vomit, Death of parent, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Classism, Child death, and Pedophilia
Minor: Outing, Injury/injury detail, Pregnancy, and Violence
Angels Before Man, by Rafael Nicolás
I loved the prose reflecting Lucifer’s mental state. Lucifer is an interesting character if unappealing at times.
This book is split into two distinct sections. I divided my review as such. Don't be fooled by the sweetness of the first part, this book doesn't shy away from picturing the depravity that a tortured individual is driven to.
So. Fucking. Cute. A naive and recently created Lucifer shares sweet banter with other playful angels in Heaven...
What else could an angel be but happy?
On the surface, this is a story about a beloved bard finding his purpose, a story about a narcissistic pimp and his favourite twink. A story about angels in love.
Why would God make him so beautiful if that beauty wasn’t meant to be admired?
Paradise is not what it seems.
Looking deeper, this is a commentary on jealousy, identity, and religious trauma.
For a restless angel like Lucifer, mindless worshipping and hedonism won’t do.
Angels Before Man is powerful in its painfully accurate depictions of depression, wrath, passion, and pride. It is a blasphemous display of the unforgiving Father and the angel who was punished for questioning.
God may have created his equal. He made a perfect angel, and He will soon discover that power corrupts. Lucifer grows more spiteful every time he’s reprimanded.
Let’s not forget that for all of Lucifer’s deviousness, he is God’s creation.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“Angel of beauty.” That’s what Lucifer has been called from the moment of his creation. Ashamed of his appearance, he wants nothing more than to spend his days worshipping God. That is until archangel Michael grabs his attention. A lyrical retelling of Lucifer's fall.
This is one of the darkest books I've read and I suggest you look at the content warnings before diving into this one. The following is a list of the topics included in my review, just a meagre example of those contained in this novel.
CW: swearing, blasphemy, and mention of wicked acts.
This is one of the darkest books I've read and I suggest you look at the content warnings before diving into this one. The following is a list of the topics included in my review, just a meagre example of those contained in this novel.
CW: swearing, blasphemy, and mention of wicked acts.
"He is beautiful," the seraph said as the cherub cried out from a scathingly sore throat. "The most magnificent of all your angels, Father."
I loved the prose reflecting Lucifer’s mental state. Lucifer is an interesting character if unappealing at times.
This book is split into two distinct sections. I divided my review as such. Don't be fooled by the sweetness of the first part, this book doesn't shy away from picturing the depravity that a tortured individual is driven to.
Part 1:
So. Fucking. Cute. A naive and recently created Lucifer shares sweet banter with other playful angels in Heaven...
What else could an angel be but happy?
On the surface, this is a story about a beloved bard finding his purpose, a story about a narcissistic pimp and his favourite twink. A story about angels in love.
Why would God make him so beautiful if that beauty wasn’t meant to be admired?
Paradise is not what it seems.
Part 2:
Looking deeper, this is a commentary on jealousy, identity, and religious trauma.
The Lord said, "Sing, angel," His voice all-encompassing, "and you will be saved." Lucifer did so, fearing his God.
For a restless angel like Lucifer, mindless worshipping and hedonism won’t do.
Angels Before Man is powerful in its painfully accurate depictions of depression, wrath, passion, and pride. It is a blasphemous display of the unforgiving Father and the angel who was punished for questioning.
God may have created his equal. He made a perfect angel, and He will soon discover that power corrupts. Lucifer grows more spiteful every time he’s reprimanded.
Let’s not forget that for all of Lucifer’s deviousness, he is God’s creation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Murder, Self harm, Blood, Body horror, Alcohol, Animal death, Gore, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, Cursing, Death, Animal cruelty, Torture, Violence, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Suicidal thoughts, Physical abuse, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Sexual assault, Fire/Fire injury, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, and Sexual violence
Springtide Harvest, by J.D. Mitchell
While it is grim indeed, it felt a little out of place with a low-stakes plot.
It also had some pacing trouble. Problems solve way too fast to have a dramatic weight or make you worry about the fate of the characters. The tension was almost non-existent and deaths feel inconsequential.
For me, this first book in an unnamed series fell short. It was slow-paced and still felt rushed on some matters. I'm disappointed with all these issues because this story had SO MUCH POTENTIAL. I liked the writing style and the clear D&D elements. Characters were introduced that will have a stronger presence in future installments as some reveals near the end indicate.
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Haskell starts the adventure with a pouch full of coins he stole from his father. It was a lot of money since it was his (successful merchant) family's savings. It was frustrating watching our protagonist throw money away. After seeing it rapidly dwindling he appears to have learned, but then he goes and bets it all. I'm all for arrogant bastards, but this one needed a wake-up slap.
While this book is about Haskell, he is overshadowed by Froba, a much more interesting character with multiple POV chapters. It was the first time I had an issue with too much head-hopping, between these two and other POVs.
On this matter, I believe there are too many characters and they kinda blend together. Not all contribute to the story, making them forgettable. For the most part, I thought of Haskell's team as "a party of idiots, two kids, and Zinzi".
The set-up promised a grimdark story, with grasping lines like this one:
While this book is about Haskell, he is overshadowed by Froba, a much more interesting character with multiple POV chapters. It was the first time I had an issue with too much head-hopping, between these two and other POVs.
On this matter, I believe there are too many characters and they kinda blend together. Not all contribute to the story, making them forgettable. For the most part, I thought of Haskell's team as "a party of idiots, two kids, and Zinzi".
The set-up promised a grimdark story, with grasping lines like this one:
"I may be destined for the Nine Hells, but this world is a hell you all richly deserve."
While it is grim indeed, it felt a little out of place with a low-stakes plot.
It also had some pacing trouble. Problems solve way too fast to have a dramatic weight or make you worry about the fate of the characters. The tension was almost non-existent and deaths feel inconsequential.
For me, this first book in an unnamed series fell short. It was slow-paced and still felt rushed on some matters. I'm disappointed with all these issues because this story had SO MUCH POTENTIAL. I liked the writing style and the clear D&D elements. Characters were introduced that will have a stronger presence in future installments as some reveals near the end indicate.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Racism, Bullying, Animal cruelty, Drug abuse, Drug use, Child abuse, and Addiction
Moderate: Racial slurs, Ableism, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Fatphobia, Sexual content, Gore, Misogyny, Child death, and Sexism
Minor: Slavery, Rape, Death of parent, Torture, Colonisation, and Murder
Werewolves Don't Celebrate Hanukkah, by Michelle Franklin
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Let’s start by saying I’m utterly ignorant of Jewish culture. So, after briefly researching what a latke or Ma‘oz Tzur is, I could learn more about Hanukkah traditions.
Thanks to this book, I know socks are the traditional Hanukkah gift, but do you know what would also make a perfect gift (especially for the little ones)? This book.
This is a short picture book full of funny and expressive werewolf illustrations by J. Burrello. People familiar with the customs will be able to enjoy all the references. I liked the charm and had fun learning more about Hanukkah. Awoo!
PSA: Don’t feed chocolate to your werewolves.
Thanks to this book, I know socks are the traditional Hanukkah gift, but do you know what would also make a perfect gift (especially for the little ones)? This book.
This is a short picture book full of funny and expressive werewolf illustrations by J. Burrello. People familiar with the customs will be able to enjoy all the references. I liked the charm and had fun learning more about Hanukkah. Awoo!
PSA: Don’t feed chocolate to your werewolves.
A Vacant Throne: Dreams of the Sleeping Cat, by Charles Kiernan
The author spent a lot of time on worldbuilding. Creating a world full of folklore. There's even extra content on the legends of Trueterra you can get by subscribing to the author's newsletter.
I'm conflicted about this book. The story has the feel of a classic fantasy tale. Some elements I really enjoyed, but mostly I think this one didn't work for me. There were too many pieces that in the end didn't resolve.
The main conflict is the drought that's been killing the land and how it's been affecting the crops. A supernatural beast must be destroyed to make the river flow again. This happens in a vague and rushed way in the final 10% of the book.
There's also an ongoing battle with the black squirrels (I don't want to read too much into that), that have been raiding their harvests. Some animals are humanoid, like cats and squirrels, but some are not (birds, fish, bunnies). They hate the squirrels for stealing their food, but the bunnies do the same and they get sympathy:
There is a feud between the village cats and the True Cats, cats that live in a more traditional way as scavengers. Those Outsider cats feel superior and more true to their nature. We also have a love interest whose path differs from our MC's and their ending hints at some future installments in the series.
Sunny has a brother, who’s also a pet, and he’s hesitant about Sunny’s mission and tries to convince him to come back home. Only the drought is dealt with and in a very anticlimactic way.
The book also glorifies violence and battle more than I would like. I don't mind gore or grim; it isn't even graphic here. Honour just seems to be on how good of a warrior our protagonist is.
My biggest pet peeve from this book was the established gender roles. Female cats tend to the toms after they train. They do the house chores and mostly spend their time giggling and gossiping. Oh, and they are called shes throughout the book and it made me grind my teeth every time.
This is a perfect book for cat lovers who enjoy a classic story. If they don't mind more than a tad of sexism.
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I was a pet, didn’t like it, and wanted to escape. But, they have no word for “pet”. The cats don’t keep pets.
The author spent a lot of time on worldbuilding. Creating a world full of folklore. There's even extra content on the legends of Trueterra you can get by subscribing to the author's newsletter.
I'm conflicted about this book. The story has the feel of a classic fantasy tale. Some elements I really enjoyed, but mostly I think this one didn't work for me. There were too many pieces that in the end didn't resolve.
The main conflict is the drought that's been killing the land and how it's been affecting the crops. A supernatural beast must be destroyed to make the river flow again. This happens in a vague and rushed way in the final 10% of the book.
There's also an ongoing battle with the black squirrels (I don't want to read too much into that), that have been raiding their harvests. Some animals are humanoid, like cats and squirrels, but some are not (birds, fish, bunnies). They hate the squirrels for stealing their food, but the bunnies do the same and they get sympathy:
"Poor things. They must be hungry to come rooting through the remnants of our garden and get this close to the compound."
"My empathy is with them. They are desperate. We are all willing to do desperate things."
There is a feud between the village cats and the True Cats, cats that live in a more traditional way as scavengers. Those Outsider cats feel superior and more true to their nature. We also have a love interest whose path differs from our MC's and their ending hints at some future installments in the series.
Sunny has a brother, who’s also a pet, and he’s hesitant about Sunny’s mission and tries to convince him to come back home. Only the drought is dealt with and in a very anticlimactic way.
The book also glorifies violence and battle more than I would like. I don't mind gore or grim; it isn't even graphic here. Honour just seems to be on how good of a warrior our protagonist is.
My biggest pet peeve from this book was the established gender roles. Female cats tend to the toms after they train. They do the house chores and mostly spend their time giggling and gossiping. Oh, and they are called shes throughout the book and it made me grind my teeth every time.
This is a perfect book for cat lovers who enjoy a classic story. If they don't mind more than a tad of sexism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Violence, Animal death, and Injury/injury detail
Moderate: War and Death
Minor: Blood, Medical content, and Alcohol
Zoo, by A.C. Cross
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.5
Zoo is a surreal exploration of mental health with exhibitions filled with nagging creatures. Their interactions with each other are commonly problematic.
This short work is an intimate and introspective read. Even more intense than the usual process of writing, I suspect taking a survey through his own mind was therapeutic for the author.
It’s very different from what I usually read, but I would say my only complaint is that it may get a bit repetitive. I should warn you must be in the right mindset for it.
All of us have dealt with our fair share of these beasts. This novelette is a reminder that every head is a zoo and to be kinder to each other. Oh, and don’t forget to take care of yours first.
This short work is an intimate and introspective read. Even more intense than the usual process of writing, I suspect taking a survey through his own mind was therapeutic for the author.
It’s very different from what I usually read, but I would say my only complaint is that it may get a bit repetitive. I should warn you must be in the right mindset for it.
All of us have dealt with our fair share of these beasts. This novelette is a reminder that every head is a zoo and to be kinder to each other. Oh, and don’t forget to take care of yours first.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Mental illness, Death of parent, and Death
Minor: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Addiction, and Body shaming
How To Bite Your Neighbor & Win A Wager, by D.N. Bryn
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The language, pace, and plot have the feel of a YA novel, but the characters are in their 20s and the story turns darker near the end.
I didn't feel particularly connected to the characters. The romance felt a little bit too insta-love for me after they had just spent an evening together. There's talk about the need for therapy, but I believe it comes a little too late when things have already escalated.
I like Bryn's recurring theme of tearing down big corporations. That and fishnet gloves have made an appearance in both books I've read by the author. (If I had a nickel for every time I've found fishnet gloves in their books, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.)
In this book's world, there's blatant discrimination against vampires and they are treated as sub-human. There are clear parallels between those and real-life marginalized groups like immigrants, queer and disabled people.
There's an extra scene teasing what's to come for book 2, which sounds promising.
I didn't feel particularly connected to the characters. The romance felt a little bit too insta-love for me after they had just spent an evening together. There's talk about the need for therapy, but I believe it comes a little too late when things have already escalated.
I like Bryn's recurring theme of tearing down big corporations. That and fishnet gloves have made an appearance in both books I've read by the author. (If I had a nickel for every time I've found fishnet gloves in their books, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.)
In this book's world, there's blatant discrimination against vampires and they are treated as sub-human. There are clear parallels between those and real-life marginalized groups like immigrants, queer and disabled people.
There's an extra scene teasing what's to come for book 2, which sounds promising.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Hate crime, Grief, Ableism, Drug use, Death of parent, Murder, Physical abuse, Outing, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Kidnapping, Torture, Self harm, Confinement, Abandonment, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Injury/injury detail, and Cursing
Minor: Homophobia, Stalking, Gun violence, Addiction, and Drug abuse
Threads of Fate, by Cat Rector
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
I had forgotten how different these characters were before everything they went through in the first book. It made me miss them and long for a reread.
We get to know more about characters we had met just in passing, and they’re multifaceted enough to deserve their own books.
Cat Rector understands life, love, and all types of relationships. And she delivers it wrapped in beautiful prose.
I am convinced Cat Rector’s favourite hobby is stomping on her readers’ hearts. Books like this remind me of why I fell in love with indie fantasy.
We get to know more about characters we had met just in passing, and they’re multifaceted enough to deserve their own books.
Cat Rector understands life, love, and all types of relationships. And she delivers it wrapped in beautiful prose.
I am convinced Cat Rector’s favourite hobby is stomping on her readers’ hearts. Books like this remind me of why I fell in love with indie fantasy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Gore, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Violence, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
Moderate: Blood, Cursing, Drug use, Grief, Homophobia, Kidnapping, Animal death, Fire/Fire injury, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, and Mental illness
Minor: Rape, Sexual violence, Slavery, Vomit, and Abandonment
Structural Integrity, by Tabitha O’Connell
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
One of my literary pet peeves is the romanticization of toxic relationships. We see how again and again Yaan discards Kel's concerns, being abusive and controlling of him.
I'm also not a fan of age gaps and power imbalances in romantic relationships. This novella's premise operates on both.
Against his family's counsel, Kel goes to live with Yaan and spends his days trapped in Yaan's quarters, waiting for him to come back and help him unwind from work.
Kel is only appreciated in Yaan's circles for his good looks. I don't believe the depiction of a trans character as a toyboy was a wise decision.
I'm also not a fan of age gaps and power imbalances in romantic relationships. This novella's premise operates on both.
Against his family's counsel, Kel goes to live with Yaan and spends his days trapped in Yaan's quarters, waiting for him to come back and help him unwind from work.
Kel is only appreciated in Yaan's circles for his good looks. I don't believe the depiction of a trans character as a toyboy was a wise decision.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Classism, Cursing, and Eating disorder
Minor: Alcohol and Sexual content