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aliciasrealm's reviews
436 reviews
Mistress of Lies by K.M. Enright
3.0
A unique premise involving Blood Workers, people with vampire-like abilities, with plenty of political intrigue, romance, and investigation of a string of murders. Unfortunately, this book ultimately missed the mark for me.
Mistress of Lies felt heavier on the political schemes than on the fantasy elements and I felt that the whole concept of blood magic wasn't explored enough. There are some bigger uses like extending a user's lifespan, healing, and even changing one's body, but not much about how people use this magic in their everyday life. Blood Workers are also not vampires in the traditional sense (they don't have issues with sunlight, for example, and they also don't seem to *need* blood to survive) so I'm not sure why they are referred to as vampires in the book description. They are basically just people who can use blood to do magic.
I am lukewarm on the romance, which involves a legitimate love triangle where there is attraction on all sides. The polyamorous situation didn't work for me because I didn't like the power inbalance between two of the characters, and with the third I didn't quite get his appeal. I did appreciate that this seems to be a queer normative society.
The novel explored racism, as Shan and Isaac navigate their Tagalan heritage (fantasy version of Filipino) in the kingdom of Aeravin where they are viewed as lesser. The novel also addresses class struggle as the unblooded are lower class citizens with no representation in government while the Blood Workers have all the power. This all weaves into the whole murder mystery plot, but that investigation fell by the wayside for the majority of the book. I'm not sure that I feel compelled to read further, assuming there will be sequels.
Mistress of Lies felt heavier on the political schemes than on the fantasy elements and I felt that the whole concept of blood magic wasn't explored enough. There are some bigger uses like extending a user's lifespan, healing, and even changing one's body, but not much about how people use this magic in their everyday life. Blood Workers are also not vampires in the traditional sense (they don't have issues with sunlight, for example, and they also don't seem to *need* blood to survive) so I'm not sure why they are referred to as vampires in the book description. They are basically just people who can use blood to do magic.
I am lukewarm on the romance, which involves a legitimate love triangle where there is attraction on all sides. The polyamorous situation didn't work for me because I didn't like the power inbalance between two of the characters, and with the third I didn't quite get his appeal. I did appreciate that this seems to be a queer normative society.
The novel explored racism, as Shan and Isaac navigate their Tagalan heritage (fantasy version of Filipino) in the kingdom of Aeravin where they are viewed as lesser. The novel also addresses class struggle as the unblooded are lower class citizens with no representation in government while the Blood Workers have all the power. This all weaves into the whole murder mystery plot, but that investigation fell by the wayside for the majority of the book. I'm not sure that I feel compelled to read further, assuming there will be sequels.
Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta
4.0
I loved the David and Goliath theme of this book, with a ragtag group of teenagers called Gearbreakers trying to take down giant mechs called Windups. It was easy to envision the scale of the Windups and there's tons of action as the teens take them down from the inside. There are high stakes and dangerous missions that kept me on the edge of my seat.
The dual POV chapters demonstrated a stark contrast between Sona, the cybernetically enhanced Windup Pilot, and Eris, the Gearbreaker known as Frostbringer. The evolution of their relationship from enemies to a tentative friendship to something more was a slow build, with gutwrenching setbacks. While there is sapphic attraction been Sona and Eris, the romance is minimal. It also feels important to note that at the beginning of the novel, Eris is in a romantic relationship with one of her male crew members.
The found family aspect was done well, leaving me very attached to the side characters who made up Eris's crew. I especially loved Xander, and each of the crew members have their own relationship arc with Sona as they have to decide whether or not to trust her.
Despite being such a long book, the world building was painted in broad strokes, with a high level overview of how Godolia came to be. The story is much more focused on the city-nation of Godolia, the Windup Academy, and somewhat on the Badlands, but otherwise doesn't address much outside of these two places. This didn't bother me and I felt that there was enough context provided for the story.
The dual POV chapters demonstrated a stark contrast between Sona, the cybernetically enhanced Windup Pilot, and Eris, the Gearbreaker known as Frostbringer. The evolution of their relationship from enemies to a tentative friendship to something more was a slow build, with gutwrenching setbacks. While there is sapphic attraction been Sona and Eris, the romance is minimal. It also feels important to note that at the beginning of the novel, Eris is in a romantic relationship with one of her male crew members.
The found family aspect was done well, leaving me very attached to the side characters who made up Eris's crew. I especially loved Xander, and each of the crew members have their own relationship arc with Sona as they have to decide whether or not to trust her.
Despite being such a long book, the world building was painted in broad strokes, with a high level overview of how Godolia came to be. The story is much more focused on the city-nation of Godolia, the Windup Academy, and somewhat on the Badlands, but otherwise doesn't address much outside of these two places. This didn't bother me and I felt that there was enough context provided for the story.
Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
3.5
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars. I was expecting this story to be a love letter to books and tea and was disappointed. The whole setup of the shop felt skimmed over, condensed into paragraphs with unnamed townfolk and laborers doing most of the work. There were few descriptions or discussions of the tea and baked goods. Reyna goes to a shop to buy tea, but I'm not sure how or where they acquired things like tea kettles, tea cups, or plates for their customers. Occasionally we get brief descriptions of the tea or food, but it felt lackluster. The presence of a bookshop ≠ cozy fantasy.
The plot was more focused on the dragon issue and the Queen. Given the amount of action and the high stakes, this didn't feel like a cozy novel. Reyna's choice to leave her post is considered treason, which could have deadly consequences if she's discovered. There is a dragon problem that threatens the town. There are multiple life threatening situations where people are injured. Both women spend a lot of the book being incapacitated in some way, with one being hurt or sick while the other has to take care of them.
The relationship was also more tumultuous than I'd expect for a "cozy" novel, especially one described as "steeped in love." Both women are insecure and feel as though they don't deserve the other, they bicker often, and they don't always communicate well. They each do things without discussing it with the other first, which leads to issues. Reyna is often worried that Kianthe is going to leave her. There are often minor conflicts between them. I wanted more stability and sweetness, but they just weren't there yet.
I was also hoping for more development in the relationship with the townfolk, but that was similarly neglected. I didn't really fall in love with any of the side characters (aside from the griffin and the horse).
The plot was more focused on the dragon issue and the Queen. Given the amount of action and the high stakes, this didn't feel like a cozy novel. Reyna's choice to leave her post is considered treason, which could have deadly consequences if she's discovered. There is a dragon problem that threatens the town. There are multiple life threatening situations where people are injured. Both women spend a lot of the book being incapacitated in some way, with one being hurt or sick while the other has to take care of them.
The relationship was also more tumultuous than I'd expect for a "cozy" novel, especially one described as "steeped in love." Both women are insecure and feel as though they don't deserve the other, they bicker often, and they don't always communicate well. They each do things without discussing it with the other first, which leads to issues. Reyna is often worried that Kianthe is going to leave her. There are often minor conflicts between them. I wanted more stability and sweetness, but they just weren't there yet.
I was also hoping for more development in the relationship with the townfolk, but that was similarly neglected. I didn't really fall in love with any of the side characters (aside from the griffin and the horse).
Eleven Houses by Colleen Oakes
4.0
This is a YA novel about a small, close-knit town on a Nova Scotia Island that deals with horrifying, deadly storms. Very atmospheric and an intriguing story with plenty of secrets to be uncovered. Twilight and The Mist are both poorly chosen comps; the book has zero vampires and has few similarities to The Mist
There is an insta-love romance with a touch-her-and-die kinda boy, really cute. However, I was disappointed by the failure to deliver on the significance of this relationship. There was buildup that never culminated into anything meaningful, at least not in this book. Is there a plan for a sequel?
This felt heavier on grief and loss than on romance, as Mabel deals with the loss of her father, her alcoholic mother, and a strained relationship with her sister. I'm not sure how I feel about Mabel's sister... No spoilers, but there is a plot device that I felt did this story a disservice.
There is an insta-love romance with a touch-her-and-die kinda boy, really cute. However, I was disappointed by the failure to deliver on the significance of this relationship. There was buildup that never culminated into anything meaningful, at least not in this book. Is there a plan for a sequel?
This felt heavier on grief and loss than on romance, as Mabel deals with the loss of her father, her alcoholic mother, and a strained relationship with her sister. I'm not sure how I feel about Mabel's sister... No spoilers, but there is a plot device that I felt did this story a disservice.
Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide by Rupert Holmes
3.0
I loved the vibes and writing style; the conservatory felt like something that could have existed in the world of A Series of Unfortunate Events. The conservatory focused portion of the book was my favorite and the most interesting.
Unfortunately, the story was drawn out and felt rather tedious and repetitive after a certain point. When Cliff finally initiates his plan to murder his employer using the skills he learned at the conservatory, it should have been the most interesting part of the story. Instead, it was a slow and dull grind that left me grumbling, "get to the point already!" Who would think it's possible for murder to be so boring?
Another issue I had was Cliff's crush on Gemma, which was cringey and weirdly possessive, as though being nice should entitle him to her attention or affection. Maybe I'm over analyzing but the way Cliff wrote about her bothered me.
Ultimately, the novelty of the story fizzled out long before the halfway mark. It was a real struggle not to DNF and I wish it had been more concise, as there was a tendency to over explain things and unnecessary detail.
Unfortunately, the story was drawn out and felt rather tedious and repetitive after a certain point. When Cliff finally initiates his plan to murder his employer using the skills he learned at the conservatory, it should have been the most interesting part of the story. Instead, it was a slow and dull grind that left me grumbling, "get to the point already!" Who would think it's possible for murder to be so boring?
Another issue I had was Cliff's crush on Gemma, which was cringey and weirdly possessive, as though being nice should entitle him to her attention or affection. Maybe I'm over analyzing but the way Cliff wrote about her bothered me.
Ultimately, the novelty of the story fizzled out long before the halfway mark. It was a real struggle not to DNF and I wish it had been more concise, as there was a tendency to over explain things and unnecessary detail.
Sunny Song Will Never Be Famous by Suzanne Park
4.0
A fun young adult book about social media addiction and how the way we present ourselves online isn't always the way we present in real life. Cute insta-love romance, a flawed protagonist who experiences personal growth, and some funny senior citizen side characters. I also appreciated how this story addressed casual racism.
I think this book is fantastic for the intended YA audience. I wouldn't recommend this book to most adult readers as the character's dream of becoming an influencer may not feel relatable to readers who grew up in a time prior to social media and influencer culture.
I think this book is fantastic for the intended YA audience. I wouldn't recommend this book to most adult readers as the character's dream of becoming an influencer may not feel relatable to readers who grew up in a time prior to social media and influencer culture.
A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya
5.0
The pace is consistent with plenty of action, banter, and awkward situations that made me laugh out loud! I adored Lalo, who is super sweet and bookish, and his interactions with the fierce Carolina were so much fun. It's refreshing to see a vampire romance where the two are the same age instead of hundreds of years older, especially since they are both relatively inexperienced teenagers. This book solidly delivered on the vampire aspect, featuring vampire lore and origins that were new to me, and had so many awesome fights scenes. I also loved the way this book didn't shy away from loss and grief, and the way those themes played into the vampire storyline. I enjoyed this book so much!
Thank you to the publishers for an advance review copy of this book.
Thank you to the publishers for an advance review copy of this book.
Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid
3.0
What exactly about this book made it "a feminist retelling"? Very loosely based on Macbeth, this seemed like a missed opportunity to tell the story of an empowered adult woman rather than a seventeen year old stripped of all agency, who isn't really all that clever. I admit that I haven't read or studied Macbeth in its entirety, which is why my rating might be overly generous. I just wonder why this needed to be a "retelling" rather than standing on its own as a story inspired by Macbeth, and whether it would have been more successful as the latter.
I Might Be in Trouble by Daniel Aleman
5.0
This novel was incredibly funny and relatable, with such a wild premise that it was almost impossible to put down!
The dark humor and tension of the situation kept me fully invested in this story. I loved David's unlikely friendship with his literary agent, Stacey, and her response to his dilemma was so much fun. I loved the self referential nature of the story and how effortlessly it captured the loneliness of adulthood. I could have happily read this in one sitting had work not gotten in the way, and I found myself taking every spare moment to get in a few pages, a chapter, because I couldn't stop thinking about this book. Fully recommended and an easy five stars!
I received an advanced copy of this book for review.
The dark humor and tension of the situation kept me fully invested in this story. I loved David's unlikely friendship with his literary agent, Stacey, and her response to his dilemma was so much fun. I loved the self referential nature of the story and how effortlessly it captured the loneliness of adulthood. I could have happily read this in one sitting had work not gotten in the way, and I found myself taking every spare moment to get in a few pages, a chapter, because I couldn't stop thinking about this book. Fully recommended and an easy five stars!
I received an advanced copy of this book for review.