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wildfaeriecaps's review against another edition
5.0
It was such a delight to fall back into this world. I want to write all the smart things about this book but my brain is bursting with "IT'S JUST SO GOOD!" and other incoherent things. Cat's writing has never disappointed me. Took this book slow because I wanted it to last but could have easily devoured it in a day.
casseyt's review
5.0
Enjoyed this so so much. Am ready to get into the Hobverse now.
It's a long book, but you certainly don't feel it at all. You get swept up into it all. This is a tale of family ties, hi-jinks, long plans and magic. There's moments of break your heart anguish, some laughs and a world full of flawed, complex and wonderful people.
Gil and Ade forever.
It's a long book, but you certainly don't feel it at all. You get swept up into it all. This is a tale of family ties, hi-jinks, long plans and magic. There's moments of break your heart anguish, some laughs and a world full of flawed, complex and wonderful people.
Gil and Ade forever.
xan_van_rooyen's review
5.0
I loved this book and didn't want it to end! I was getting really angsty watching the percentage meter creep towards 100% on my Kindle because I wanted - NEEDED - more of this world and these characters!
Empty Monsters isn't your typical swashbuckling, sword-and-sorcery style fantasy. It's quiet and introspective, more character study than adventure, and that's what made it so refreshing. It also has a unique setting which smacks of South Africa lending the story additional flavours.
As for the characters, they are all complex and complicated, real and flawed, often acting on their own selfish desires rather than with any sense of heroic altruism. I actually really appreciated that this story didn't have a traditional or typical 'hero' figure at its helm. The characters are all very relatable and I can't wait to spend more time with them (dear author, hope you're reading this and already writing the next book!).
The story is also delightfully queer while exploring the concept of family, the one we're born into and the one we choose for ourselves. This was another refreshing aspect of the story and one I've rarely (if ever) seen explored in fantasy in this way.
Overall, I think this book was an excellent read with lush prose, rich world-building and superb character development. I would happily reread this and read everything set in this universe. I can only hope there will be more books in this series, and soon!
Empty Monsters isn't your typical swashbuckling, sword-and-sorcery style fantasy. It's quiet and introspective, more character study than adventure, and that's what made it so refreshing. It also has a unique setting which smacks of South Africa lending the story additional flavours.
As for the characters, they are all complex and complicated, real and flawed, often acting on their own selfish desires rather than with any sense of heroic altruism. I actually really appreciated that this story didn't have a traditional or typical 'hero' figure at its helm. The characters are all very relatable and I can't wait to spend more time with them (dear author, hope you're reading this and already writing the next book!).
The story is also delightfully queer while exploring the concept of family, the one we're born into and the one we choose for ourselves. This was another refreshing aspect of the story and one I've rarely (if ever) seen explored in fantasy in this way.
Overall, I think this book was an excellent read with lush prose, rich world-building and superb character development. I would happily reread this and read everything set in this universe. I can only hope there will be more books in this series, and soon!
friedatweehuysen's review
5.0
Who, what a story! With deep insight into Ade's character, the story builds intense pressure to the unexpected ending.
abetterjulie's review against another edition
4.0
When you read a lot, a book with intriguing magic and unique characters is a joy. The world-building and people drew me in, and the story held me fast. I loved the relationships between family and found-family, as well as the lovers and longings.
There were more typos than I prefer, and I find that happens more with ebooks for some reason. I would buy this in hardback for the shelves, as I think it was entertaining and deep enough to enjoy as a re-read.
There were more typos than I prefer, and I find that happens more with ebooks for some reason. I would buy this in hardback for the shelves, as I think it was entertaining and deep enough to enjoy as a re-read.
friedatweehuysen's review against another edition
5.0
Who, what a story! With deep insight into Ade's character, the story builds intense pressure to the unexpected ending.
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