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A review by soulfullyalex
Coil of Boughs by Penny Moss
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don't even know where to start with this book. I'll start with the basics. First of all, this book is the brand of fantasy that I've realized I absolutely adore. It's dark fantasy, with magic that isn't completely understood/explained, it's got mysterious spirits that take an unwilling hero and save his life in exchange for their own reasons. This book also has some real moments of just gross stuff, and I loved it. We also have a grouchy witch who gets roped into things and the sweetest, softest demon who also will end people for this sassy hero.
Ryurikov is the grouchy, unwilling Robin hood of my dreams. He so doesn't want to be involved with anything and his own past has him feeling (or not feeling) all kinds of things. I loved watching his character development throughout the book. He grows in a lot of ways but doesn't lose his hard exterior or his sass.
There were so many things I loved about this book, between the monsters and the character relationships. It was easy to follow and I think, because there isn't a huge focus on tons of political or complicated world building aspects it's a book someone could read even if they never read fantasy. It didn't lack worldbuilding or politics, but there weren't any moments that felt like I was just supposed to learn something about the world. All the information felt relevant and easy to understand. I loved how gross and creepy the monsters were.
If you like a Black Cat/Golden Retriever relationship, with a twist cause let's be honest both of these characters are a "touch him and d*e" character, you'll really enjoy this book. Ryurikov is a little feral and he met a demon that just happens to enjoy his brand of feral and matches when necessary.
I am so obsessed with this book I can't wait for the second to come out. Like if it could be out tomorrow I would cry tears of joy. This was everything I am looking for when I say I like kinda gross fantasy books.
Ryurikov is the grouchy, unwilling Robin hood of my dreams. He so doesn't want to be involved with anything and his own past has him feeling (or not feeling) all kinds of things. I loved watching his character development throughout the book. He grows in a lot of ways but doesn't lose his hard exterior or his sass.
There were so many things I loved about this book, between the monsters and the character relationships. It was easy to follow and I think, because there isn't a huge focus on tons of political or complicated world building aspects it's a book someone could read even if they never read fantasy. It didn't lack worldbuilding or politics, but there weren't any moments that felt like I was just supposed to learn something about the world. All the information felt relevant and easy to understand. I loved how gross and creepy the monsters were.
If you like a Black Cat/Golden Retriever relationship, with a twist cause let's be honest both of these characters are a "touch him and d*e" character, you'll really enjoy this book. Ryurikov is a little feral and he met a demon that just happens to enjoy his brand of feral and matches when necessary.
I am so obsessed with this book I can't wait for the second to come out. Like if it could be out tomorrow I would cry tears of joy. This was everything I am looking for when I say I like kinda gross fantasy books.