athenezadam's reviews
159 reviews

The Empire of Gold by S.A. Chakraborty

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

In The Empire of Gold, a vengeful leader has taken the djinn city of Daevabad, which a healer has escaped with the ring that is holding the world's magic and with a djinn prince whose water magic is becoming dangerous. The world building in this sequel is massive, each facet having its own backstory while still connected to the main storyline. Characters all shine as they face their challenges head on--magic, politics and resistance, and relationship dynamics. The world is so complex that it's unclear how the characters will attain their goals, but the story has a good resolution, addressing all aspects of the plot.

A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

In A Study in Drowning, a college student visits a recently deceased author's estate for an architectural project and collaborates with a colleague to learn the truth about the author's works. The water theme is consistently used in the setting and in several details. The main characters are aptly outlined, including the protagonist's instincts, trauma responses, and arc. Though the academic part of the mystery is obvious, the overall message of his dark academia fantasy is positive, conveyed through a gentle love interest and in the plot's resolution.

The Kingdom of Copper by S.A. Chakraborty

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

In The Kingdom of Copper, a healer tries to navigate living under the tyrannical rule of her father-in-law and king, an exiled prince relies on his new frightening abilities in order to survive, and a dark threat draws nearer the city of Daevabad. The world building in this installment and series is phenomenal, with lush descriptions, captivating city politics, and tense magical action. The characters have complex personalities and struggle in achieving their quests for morality and justice. Reunions are worth the wait and interpersonal conflicts are entertaining. The third character/perspective is not as interesting but is necessary to understand the storyline's looming threat. The Kingdom of Copper is a thrilling fantasy read.

The Emergent by Nadia Afifi

dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

In The Emergent, a neuroscientist must protect the first human clone from enemies and must protect herself from a ruthless cult leader who is seeking to understand his neurological connection with the scientist and who wants to destabilize broader society. The book explores medical ethics in a political world, and the protagonist is intelligent and complex. The pacing is extremely well done, with ongoing conflict, plot twists, and an electrifying ending that leaves the reader wanting to continue the excitement with the next book in the series. 

Daughter of the Gods: Children of Ginen by Rose Carmel Gaspard

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

In Daughter of the Gods: Children of Ginen, a woman who has abandoned her magic returns home to fight dark magic that is threatening to destroy her community. The heroin is confident and courageous. Exposition is appropriately provided as the story progresses, and the book's footnotes are helpful for translations and in explaining intriguing Haitian mythology. At times, the story's prose is too direct as opposed to the reader being able to making inferences, but this may be a style choice. Family dynamics are masterfully navigated, and the fight scenes are choreographed well. Colonial history and power imbalances are also explored. 

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh

adventurous lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

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

4.0

In the Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, a girl sacrifices herself to the Sea God and arrives in the Spirit Realm, where she tries to wake the Sea God to lift his curse on her ravaged homeland. The story's setting consists of a mystical, dream-like state. The slow-burn romance is endearing. But the mythology's plot points appear somewhat suddenly and the path to resolution isn't clear.  Recommended for readers who enjoy atmospheric fantasy and beautiful imagery.

The Sunset Sovereign: A Dragon's Memoir by Laura Huie, C.D. Houck

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

The Sunset Sovereign: A Dragon's Memoir is about a dragon who recounts his centuries-old relationship with a town to an assassin. The dragon is powerful yet generally polite, and his relationship with the townspeople is somewhat dysfunctional. There are several threats to the town and the foes in the middle of the book are the most entertaining. The assassin is not that interesting, but she is not the focus of the story. This quick read offers a unique perspective on a dragon's tale.

Echo of the Blue Mountain by JF Lee

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 Echo of the Blue Mountain, the swordsman teeters between life and death and a new foe joins the fight to keep the Emperor's control of the provinces. The arrival of an old friend shakes up the dynamic of the group, adding a pleasant perspective.  The fight scenes are nicely constructed and the medical magic is intriguing. The characters continue to have good depth. Loyalty and morality are tested in this great continuation of this action-packed series.

Fall of the Iron Gods by Olivia Chadha

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

In Fall of the Iron Gods, the Planetary Alliance Commission targets resistance fighters who must try to save their homeland before their population is sacrificed for the survival of the powerful and wealthy. Having read book #1, it's easier to delve back into this post-apocalyptic world. The book starts slow and reader investment in the characters happens once each of the three young heroes begin their individual missions. Then the pacing quickens into good action. The first half of the story plants clues leading up to one of the major plot points regarding bionic technology. The disastrous effects of climate change in a post-WWIII are nicely detailed. This South Asian-inspired duology sequel offers a fulsome cyberpunk, dystopian experience.

Fall of the King Saber: A Wuxia Martial Arts Fantasy by JF Lee, JF Lee

adventurous lighthearted tense medium-paced

4.0

In Fall of the King Saber, the swordsman must prepare to fight his nemesis, and becomes a mentor to the girl, who is seeking to remove a bounty from her head. This installment is back into constant action. Plot points are cleverly managed, and the reader gains greater insight into beloved characters. This includes learning more about the gruff swordsman, who must face his past demons before engaging in the story's ultimate battle. The fight scenes are tense with great fantasy imagery.