athenezadam's reviews
175 reviews

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

In Vicious, two brilliant college roommates researching supernatural powers conduct experiments when things go horribly wrong. The premise of this book is not unique but this is dealt with head-on. The story is executed well, with arrogant characters who are motivated by jealousy and revenge. The characters are interwoven with each other, and the manner in which powers are gained is well thought out. The constant time shifts, however, are jarring even with the book's short chapters.

Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

In Vampires of El Norte, believing his childhood love to be killed by a monster, a boy runs from his grief only to reconcile with her nine years later on the road to war. Both points of view are a joy to read, especially the male protagonist's, and their perspectives provide insightful explanations for their behaviour. The vampires are uniquely utilized in the story. This is truly a riveting historical fantasy romance.  

The Bound Worlds by Megan E. O'Keefe

adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-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

5.0

In The Bound Worlds, assassins ambush Naira and Tarquin's new planetary settlement while Tarquin uncovers a plot to bring about the end of the universe. This story is emotionally turbulent, and the characters are exceptionally written. In fact, there are several moments where the reader is left to wonder how the characters are going to recover from the events. This is a gripping read in a phenomenal science fiction series. 

The Fractured Dark by Megan E. O'Keefe

adventurous emotional tense 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

5.0

In The Fractured Dark, a rebel and her scientist companion hunt out his family secrets, where the head of his family has disappeared and taken the universe's remaining fuel with him. All the characters are distinct, but the main characters carry this novel. They are well drawn out and endearing, and they have a mature relationship. Most plot turns are unexpected. The plot and several details have nice connections to the first book in the series, making for cohesive storytelling.

In the Name of the Flame by Alexia Muelle-Rushbrook

adventurous emotional lighthearted tense medium-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

4.0

In In the Name of the Flame, seeking assistance in a losing war, an estranged prince crosses a literal world Divide, where he learns about their shared history, the deity of fire, and a shared threat between worlds. It takes a bit to learn what overall direction this story will take. The world building is fulsome, and the animals and their bonds are endearing. The protagonist shines as the strongest element of the book, a prince and ship captain with clear morals, a complex backstory, and an excellent development arc. The story has a good resolution. This is a wonderful fantasy read.

This review was written voluntarily, after receiving an Advance Reader Copy.

Thrum by Meg Smitherman

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

Thrum is about a woman who wakes to discover she is the only survivor of her space crew, who sends a distress beacon and boards an alien spaceship where she questions her reality. The story is creepy, and the author expertly conveys the main character's increasingly erratic state. The prose is clear and captivating, with good horror visual imagery. While the novella is mostly a psychological tale, little actually happens, and by the end there are some glaring unanswered questions. Overall, the story is an atmospheric horror read.

Beasts of War by Ayana Gray

adventurous medium-paced

4.0

In Beasts of War, Koffi is hunted for the powerful magic in her body, to destroy the world while this magic threatens to overtake her. As with its predecessors, the strongest aspect of this finale book is the unique mythical beasts, set against a beautifully vivid setting. The story proceeds at a comfortable pace but the ending is rushed, with several plot elements left unexplained.

Beasts of Ruin by Ayana Gray

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

In Beasts of Ruin, Ekon is trying to find Koffi, who navigates her new magical power as she tries to escape her captor. This pan-African mythology inspired novel is evenly paced--not tense, but also not slow. Details are lush, with exceptional mythical animals. One of the points of view seems unnecessary at first, but as the story progresses, that character and her difficulties become relatable. Character development is done well, though the male protagonist is again the more interesting perspective. The romances are appropriately light, as anything greater in this installment would be convoluted. This is a comfort novel for fantasy fans.

Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Beasts of Prey is about a girl, indentured to a Night Zoo, and an aspiring warrior who join forces to take down a monster who has been hunting people for a century. While the beginning of the book is not slow, the eagerly awaited hunt takes its time to get underway. Once the forest scene starts, the mythical creatures are fascinating to read about. The male protagonist's personality is particularly interesting. There are some elements of the plot that are predictable but overall, this African mythology fantasy is a great read.

Braving Storms by Angela van Liempt

emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

In Braving Storms, a young woman who ushers ghosts into the afterlife is visited by a ghost who warns her about dangerous events to come, and meets another ghost who shares a connection to her traumatic past. This final book is the longest in the series and the pacing is slow, the story focused more on the characters than on plot tension. The novel picks up in its middle third. The ghosts are creative, and the main ghost of the story entertainingly persistent. The coast town setting is immersive and comforting, and the magic system is descriptive.

This review was written voluntarily, after receiving an Advance Reader Copy.