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arielthebookgargoyle's Reviews (208)
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Too many questions left for this to have been a satisfactory conclusion. The purpose of WICKED explained, but not why so many fell in line or how or what they were doing to make things like the grievers, flat trans, or manipulating the weather and main populace to tunnel the Gladers. How can one really have that much money when all of society has collapsed? Felt like a big runaround to lead to not much of anything at the end. Did have a lot of action, but also a lot of coincidence and convenient timing that made me care less and less.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Book 2 of the Maze Runner series was very similar to Book 1, except open world. Summed up better by the book itself, "There we were trapped inside walls, with everything we need to survive. Now we have nothing holding us in, but no way to survive unless we go where they told us to." The Maze is there, even when not.
The kids are still at the mercy of WICKED, herded to their end goal with no memory of what that is or why they are there. If their choices are even their own. I didn't feel like any more was really revealed. The kids are experiments for a ill world. Most change was that new characters were added, and some strife for Thomas so he had growth to strengthen his resolve. More focus on him as his cohorts take a secondary role.
For a second book in a trilogy, was okay, but I hope for conclusion in the next. Any more would be too much run around.
The kids are still at the mercy of WICKED, herded to their end goal with no memory of what that is or why they are there. If their choices are even their own. I didn't feel like any more was really revealed. The kids are experiments for a ill world. Most change was that new characters were added, and some strife for Thomas so he had growth to strengthen his resolve. More focus on him as his cohorts take a secondary role.
For a second book in a trilogy, was okay, but I hope for conclusion in the next. Any more would be too much run around.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
<strong>Very slowly paced, more on par with a dungeon crawler.</strong>
The story started off with a bit of mystery. A vampire in excile awoken before his punishment finished, compelled to leave his sanctuary by mysterious urges. I found this part of the story to be interesting. I wanted to know what called him and why. Then as his adventure starts, the story morphed into a litRPG. For the next near 30% of the story, a dungeon crawler to kill rakken...or anthropoid rats. Although this brought together the party that eventually helps him, it felt more like a distraction and was a slog to read through. As was the next mission, to obtain money and weapons. It was all way too drawn out and felt like it pulled away from the main plot. The plot became an after thought that was then rushed to be finished in the last 10%. It wasn't properly concluded either. I was left with more questions than answers and annoyed with the slow roundabout storytelling.
The story started off with a bit of mystery. A vampire in excile awoken before his punishment finished, compelled to leave his sanctuary by mysterious urges. I found this part of the story to be interesting. I wanted to know what called him and why. Then as his adventure starts, the story morphed into a litRPG. For the next near 30% of the story, a dungeon crawler to kill rakken...or anthropoid rats. Although this brought together the party that eventually helps him, it felt more like a distraction and was a slog to read through. As was the next mission, to obtain money and weapons. It was all way too drawn out and felt like it pulled away from the main plot. The plot became an after thought that was then rushed to be finished in the last 10%. It wasn't properly concluded either. I was left with more questions than answers and annoyed with the slow roundabout storytelling.
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My thoughts are so scattered. Where do I even start with "Avidian?" First the disclaimer, I did sign up to be on the ARC team through an ad the author, Ashley O'Donovan, put out. I loved the summary. It felt like a mesh of genres that immediately peaked my interest. I really wanted to read the story. My review here was optional and done voluntary. These words are my own. Robotic necessities done, about the book...
It jumps into an unknown time, when the US has gone through an unspecified event that led to distraction and then redistribution of territories. If there is one flaw with the story, is that it had very little details to this catastrophic event. It was pivotal in creating the Avids. I viewed Avids like the X-Men. Randomly mutated humans that just want to be treated normal. However, in this universe, they lost and became a slave class. They are now rounded up and traded among mafia dons and treated like cattle. This is where Avidian really starts. Following a lovely young lady named Katja. Her power, calling upon ghosts and being able to commune with them. She's been fortunate enough to find the situation and be in front of the right people that her power affords her some luxuries others like her don't have. Although, her Mafia master and his son's don't hesitate to remind her. For profit, she is summoned to help another Mafia head when a murder in his home is committed.
So we have our dystopian story set up, as well as a mafia crime. Katja is left to uncover secrets while playing politics between the masters, and trying to survive their threats of harm or tossing her to the wastelands.
Katja's name is often, unfortunately, shortened to Kat. This was a little on the nose tying it to "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. I rather liked her name in longform. Anyways, I found her to be more cuddly than her 12th district counterpart. She came off sweet and broken, in a horrible situation. Nieve rather than cutthroat. Malachi, the man who catches her eye, is more that type. Her affections, or lack thereof, and his bluntness add to the romance aspect of the story. Between her rules, self imposed and pushed on her forcefully lend to a slow burn that as a reader you can never know if it is to be trusted.
In an attempt to stay spoiler free.. this is all I will really say. The majority of what I have said depicting the first few chapters. What I will say were there were definitely dystopian elements. Parts that reminded me of "The Hunger Games," or "The Maze Runner." Even the show "The 100" from time to time. The crime mystery as its own, I don't think would have much substance. Ghosts play vague with Kat and she isn't able to examine much evidence hands on. With the ties to Malachi and her past, as well as how her "owner" plays in, there is more mystery and suspense. The romance, I enjoyed. It takes its time, feeling more organic and real, especially given Katja's situation.
I was glued to the story. Only set it down when I had to, and got right back into it when I could. It felt like a more mature dystopian story. It wasn't exactly mind bending, but it was fun. Playing to what I liked about those other tales, but adding in deeper, darker and more risquè elements. It all made for a easy, very entertaining read. Even with it being left widely open for another book.
It jumps into an unknown time, when the US has gone through an unspecified event that led to distraction and then redistribution of territories. If there is one flaw with the story, is that it had very little details to this catastrophic event. It was pivotal in creating the Avids. I viewed Avids like the X-Men. Randomly mutated humans that just want to be treated normal. However, in this universe, they lost and became a slave class. They are now rounded up and traded among mafia dons and treated like cattle. This is where Avidian really starts. Following a lovely young lady named Katja. Her power, calling upon ghosts and being able to commune with them. She's been fortunate enough to find the situation and be in front of the right people that her power affords her some luxuries others like her don't have. Although, her Mafia master and his son's don't hesitate to remind her. For profit, she is summoned to help another Mafia head when a murder in his home is committed.
So we have our dystopian story set up, as well as a mafia crime. Katja is left to uncover secrets while playing politics between the masters, and trying to survive their threats of harm or tossing her to the wastelands.
Katja's name is often, unfortunately, shortened to Kat. This was a little on the nose tying it to "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. I rather liked her name in longform. Anyways, I found her to be more cuddly than her 12th district counterpart. She came off sweet and broken, in a horrible situation. Nieve rather than cutthroat. Malachi, the man who catches her eye, is more that type. Her affections, or lack thereof, and his bluntness add to the romance aspect of the story. Between her rules, self imposed and pushed on her forcefully lend to a slow burn that as a reader you can never know if it is to be trusted.
In an attempt to stay spoiler free.. this is all I will really say. The majority of what I have said depicting the first few chapters. What I will say were there were definitely dystopian elements. Parts that reminded me of "The Hunger Games," or "The Maze Runner." Even the show "The 100" from time to time. The crime mystery as its own, I don't think would have much substance. Ghosts play vague with Kat and she isn't able to examine much evidence hands on. With the ties to Malachi and her past, as well as how her "owner" plays in, there is more mystery and suspense. The romance, I enjoyed. It takes its time, feeling more organic and real, especially given Katja's situation.
I was glued to the story. Only set it down when I had to, and got right back into it when I could. It felt like a more mature dystopian story. It wasn't exactly mind bending, but it was fun. Playing to what I liked about those other tales, but adding in deeper, darker and more risquè elements. It all made for a easy, very entertaining read. Even with it being left widely open for another book.
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
<strong>Sky Pirates vs Wizards... Or is it?</strong>
"A Veil for the Vanguard" jumps right into it. Leading the main cast into a situation that could start war.
Very fast paced, it explains as it goes. There is a history it does dip into, but leaves some as a mystery for what I hope is to revealed in later additions to the series. The worldbuilding is layered and integrated into the character's motivations. It is very plot driven. Excellent cast of characters but emotions aren't their strong suit. It does rely a little on the chosen one trope, but the chosen hero can't do it on her own and quickly finds refuge within the airship crew who she was initially leary of.
The story had plenty of adventure and high stakes. It leans heavily on the mechanics of the airship used to travel around to the different regions and the crystals used for magic. Giving a wizards vs pirates vibe.
I read through it really quickly, and will be starting the next soon.
"A Veil for the Vanguard" jumps right into it. Leading the main cast into a situation that could start war.
Very fast paced, it explains as it goes. There is a history it does dip into, but leaves some as a mystery for what I hope is to revealed in later additions to the series. The worldbuilding is layered and integrated into the character's motivations. It is very plot driven. Excellent cast of characters but emotions aren't their strong suit. It does rely a little on the chosen one trope, but the chosen hero can't do it on her own and quickly finds refuge within the airship crew who she was initially leary of.
The story had plenty of adventure and high stakes. It leans heavily on the mechanics of the airship used to travel around to the different regions and the crystals used for magic. Giving a wizards vs pirates vibe.
I read through it really quickly, and will be starting the next soon.
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
<strong>Solid, but nothing too surprising</strong>
I picked up "The Killing Plains" by Sherry Rankin from Prime First Reads. I didn't love the story, but I didn't dislike it either.
It follows Colby, a retired cop who returns to her husbands hometown to help figure out if his brother was framed or truly a serial killer. A good premise. "Reacher" vibes. Although Colby isn't as experienced as Reacher, she was a solid lead. What was distracting, was she brought her young grandson with her. He often pulled Colby away from the investigation and slowed the pacing of the story down to have Colby fight with a family vs job aspect. It ties in with the story, but takes momentum away.
There were also elements that I felt were unnecessarily kept secret for too long. Like, I would have rather had Colby's backstory up front, especially with other characters often referring to it instead of sprinkled in piece by piece. I get the author may have been going for an emotional reveal, but the main story would have held up, in my opinion, if done earlier. I may not have been as annoyed by her including her grandson either.
The writing, and general pacing was good. Descriptive visuals, emotional hits. Colby was a little clunky and amateurish in her actions, but they were clearly laid out and understandable. She came mostly from a place of compassion and wanting to do right by all wronged parties.
The conclusion felt like an episode of CSI. Conveniently falling into place right as needed, with first instincts being the most relevant for solving the case.
All and all, for a crime mystery, good beach read. Didn't leave me with anything deep or meaningful but was fun figuring out who did what.
I picked up "The Killing Plains" by Sherry Rankin from Prime First Reads. I didn't love the story, but I didn't dislike it either.
It follows Colby, a retired cop who returns to her husbands hometown to help figure out if his brother was framed or truly a serial killer. A good premise. "Reacher" vibes. Although Colby isn't as experienced as Reacher, she was a solid lead. What was distracting, was she brought her young grandson with her. He often pulled Colby away from the investigation and slowed the pacing of the story down to have Colby fight with a family vs job aspect. It ties in with the story, but takes momentum away.
There were also elements that I felt were unnecessarily kept secret for too long. Like, I would have rather had Colby's backstory up front, especially with other characters often referring to it instead of sprinkled in piece by piece. I get the author may have been going for an emotional reveal, but the main story would have held up, in my opinion, if done earlier. I may not have been as annoyed by her including her grandson either.
The writing, and general pacing was good. Descriptive visuals, emotional hits. Colby was a little clunky and amateurish in her actions, but they were clearly laid out and understandable. She came mostly from a place of compassion and wanting to do right by all wronged parties.
The conclusion felt like an episode of CSI. Conveniently falling into place right as needed, with first instincts being the most relevant for solving the case.
All and all, for a crime mystery, good beach read. Didn't leave me with anything deep or meaningful but was fun figuring out who did what.
tense
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:
Complicated
I struggled with this one. Cleanly written, with a lot of beautiful prose. Plenty of quotable moments. However, I felt it was directionless. It struggles for too long to find an identity and thus didn't really resignate with me.
It is mostly written from Sarah's, the main character, point of view but does switch from time to time. More of a narrative style over dialog. She is so much in her head, that it leads to a lot of misdirection. She is fanciful, skirts around the truth; which made her really unlikable to me.
The pacing didn't help either. It was so slow, I had to push to read the majority of it. This was particularly difficult with its nonlinear timeline. The story jumped all over the place. It felt like work, rather than an escape.
I wasn't satisfied either with the conclusion. Felt very mundane. Not worth the time I wasted. I may have rated higher, had it been more than a nothingburger.
I really need to learn to set books that don't capture my imagination within the first 5 chapters down. I struggle to do so, trying to give it a fair shake and to be able to write my reviews without hesitation.
It is mostly written from Sarah's, the main character, point of view but does switch from time to time. More of a narrative style over dialog. She is so much in her head, that it leads to a lot of misdirection. She is fanciful, skirts around the truth; which made her really unlikable to me.
The pacing didn't help either. It was so slow, I had to push to read the majority of it. This was particularly difficult with its nonlinear timeline. The story jumped all over the place. It felt like work, rather than an escape.
I wasn't satisfied either with the conclusion. Felt very mundane. Not worth the time I wasted. I may have rated higher, had it been more than a nothingburger.
I really need to learn to set books that don't capture my imagination within the first 5 chapters down. I struggle to do so, trying to give it a fair shake and to be able to write my reviews without hesitation.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Most of the soul of this story is in the first 5 chapters, and then the last 5. In between was a hit or miss. Mostly pomp and circumstance or traveling.
Overall, felt like what I will call a stepping stone book to set up the next in the series. Some characters are tested, some consequence but no real conclusions.
Still recommend the first, iffy on this one, but will eventually read the third as well.
Overall, felt like what I will call a stepping stone book to set up the next in the series. Some characters are tested, some consequence but no real conclusions.
Still recommend the first, iffy on this one, but will eventually read the third as well.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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:
Yes
At the end of the last book, I was anticipating a showdown with Moriz. I wasn't aware until picking this one up, that there would be another book. I imagine with all the set up there has been with the antagonists, Lothar and Moriz, their story will be the finale. All this to say, the book wasn't what I initially expected. What this installment of the Fedosian Wars did do, was strengthened the relationship between main characters Lev and Aleksei, focused on the war between Fedosia and Elfur, as well as filled in more of Sofia's past.
Previous books needed for the majority of character background. Reasons for the war are decently explained in this book.
Set in a medieval Russia styled environment, it is swords vs magic. It is told from many different characters' point of view, but mainly focuses on Lev and Black; The leaders of each side of the war. It was fairly evenly paced and decently written. Dark for sure. There were lots of bloody fight scenes and gruesome back and forth between the sides.
Although I didn't get what I wanted, I enjoyed the story. Most of the characters went in a direction I didn't exactly expect, but was fitting to their already established personalities. This provided decent twists and turns. Some of the characters' fates were exactly what I wanted, which made me happy. The best, in my opinion, was Arne. Hard to say exactly why without spoilers, but it was satisfying. Most revealing thing I will say, more for content warning, is it does have a relationship between men with a descriptive love scene. There are also a few other minor sexual moments. So, fair warning if not your cup of tea.
The characters are what really drive the story and I believe they are well done. With the change chapter to chapter of narration, it allows for each characters motivations to be understood. That writtng style allowed for reveals to me as the reader that surprised other characters. Some suspense when one needed to catch up to the other.
The story is left open, but I felt has enough content to hold its own. Plenty of action with consequences as well as some conclusion.
There is a lot of light vs dark symbolism throughout the story. It reminded me a lot of what I have currently read of "The Shadow and Bone" trilogy by Liegh Bardugo actually. It plays with the idea that one cannot exist without the other, and that the majority of people are shades of both. That or balanced better when they are opposed. It plays a little with religious concepts and what happens after death. What a soul is. Can be a deeper story beyond the romance, if the details are paid attention to.
I enjoyed, much more than the last story, and looking to read the next with the hope it features more of Moriz.
For disclosure: I was provided an ARC from the author. Although I read a free version, this review is my own and left voluntarily.
Previous books needed for the majority of character background. Reasons for the war are decently explained in this book.
Set in a medieval Russia styled environment, it is swords vs magic. It is told from many different characters' point of view, but mainly focuses on Lev and Black; The leaders of each side of the war. It was fairly evenly paced and decently written. Dark for sure. There were lots of bloody fight scenes and gruesome back and forth between the sides.
Although I didn't get what I wanted, I enjoyed the story. Most of the characters went in a direction I didn't exactly expect, but was fitting to their already established personalities. This provided decent twists and turns. Some of the characters' fates were exactly what I wanted, which made me happy. The best, in my opinion, was Arne. Hard to say exactly why without spoilers, but it was satisfying. Most revealing thing I will say, more for content warning, is it does have a relationship between men with a descriptive love scene. There are also a few other minor sexual moments. So, fair warning if not your cup of tea.
The characters are what really drive the story and I believe they are well done. With the change chapter to chapter of narration, it allows for each characters motivations to be understood. That writtng style allowed for reveals to me as the reader that surprised other characters. Some suspense when one needed to catch up to the other.
The story is left open, but I felt has enough content to hold its own. Plenty of action with consequences as well as some conclusion.
There is a lot of light vs dark symbolism throughout the story. It reminded me a lot of what I have currently read of "The Shadow and Bone" trilogy by Liegh Bardugo actually. It plays with the idea that one cannot exist without the other, and that the majority of people are shades of both. That or balanced better when they are opposed. It plays a little with religious concepts and what happens after death. What a soul is. Can be a deeper story beyond the romance, if the details are paid attention to.
I enjoyed, much more than the last story, and looking to read the next with the hope it features more of Moriz.
For disclosure: I was provided an ARC from the author. Although I read a free version, this review is my own and left voluntarily.
informative
reflective
slow-paced
The book provided plenty of research and overall felt well thought out. The author was thoughtful enough to draw on interviews from kids, parents, teachers, and therapists. As well as include some of her own experiences. She pulled ideas from popular therapy books, as well as studies.
The writing was clear and concise, mostly easy to follow. I did get bored at several points in the middle that did have me set it down from time to time. However, I think that is because I agreed with most of the main points, having similar experiences to what was described.
Worth reading, I think, if looking to be a thoughtful parent. Sometimes I think we overcompensate trying to provide better for the next generation and this was a good discussion with points to support that.
The writing was clear and concise, mostly easy to follow. I did get bored at several points in the middle that did have me set it down from time to time. However, I think that is because I agreed with most of the main points, having similar experiences to what was described.
Worth reading, I think, if looking to be a thoughtful parent. Sometimes I think we overcompensate trying to provide better for the next generation and this was a good discussion with points to support that.