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avid_reader_sf_and_f's Reviews (5.28k)

The Monsters We Defy

Leslye Penelope

4.75

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative lighthearted mysterious reflective 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

This book was fantastic. A paranormal fantasy that takes place in Prohibition Era 1920's, set in Black Washington, this book is has an epic heist, a mystery to solve and a romance, subtly in the background. Laced with African American folk magic, history of the time and the ever present threat of Racism, both that of the whites and the classist blacks, this book was at times uncomfortable to read but always brilliantly told. I highly recommend this book.

Monster Therapist: and the Warlock's Citadel

Paul Regnier

4.0

adventurous dark emotional funny fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I loved the idea of counselling monsters and while the moments our MC, Logan Snow, got to actually be a therapist were few and far between, it was a fun twist to the story. We were able to see how Logan was able to use his insights to help others, but also how it allowed him to analyze his foes. I would've like to have had a bit more monster therapy, as the title suggests, but I enjoyed this book.

I will note, that this was far from the light, humorous, cozy, fantasy adventure I was expecting based on the blurb, but that's not a bad thing. Instead, this was a dark / heroic fantasy with a D&D style adventure. Our reluctant hero is dragged into an epic quest to rescue a friend from near certain death. This book deals with darker themes, such as guilt, loss, and revenge, and all handled with care. In spite of that, this was a rollicking ride with plenty of humor.

This was a solid 3.75 stars for me, I'm rounding up to 4, and one I recommend.

Gateway

Craig Alanson

4.0

adventurous challenging dark funny hopeful lighthearted sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

If you're still reading the adventures of Joe, Skippy and the Merry Band of Pirates, at book 18, you know what you're in for.

This is another great installment of the Joe and Skippy show. Is it formulaic at this point, yes a bit, but it's still fun and I still enjoy Joe and Skippy's love/hate relationship. They have a true friendship because despite all of Skippy's pranks and antics, there is love, and that's why I keep reading this series. At its core this is an endearing story about relationships, love, grief, and the resilience of humanity.