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bittennailbooks's reviews
269 reviews
A Botanical Daughter by Noah Medlock
dark
emotional
lighthearted
slow-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
4.0
The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Sydney Shields debut the Honey Witch envelopes it's readers in a warm and somewhat sticky love story.
Marigold is the next Honey Witch, to use her magic for the good of nature and people with a curse that no one may fall in love with her. Shield's proves she is a gifted atmospheric writer, painting beautiful landscapes and a world any witch can cozy into.
The stars begin to leave the rating once you peel back the quotable moments and dreamy world building to it's unmarried chapter parts. The spotlight feels to wobble all over the proverbial story stage with a weak tie up by the end. Marigold's conflict never feels fully developed and one plotline is pulled into focus at the dropping of another at the detriment to the reader. Touted for "fans of Bridgerton" with a sapphic magic romance, I warn you, fellow reader, to manage your expectations.
I enjoyed the world and look forward to seeing what Shields produces next: 4/5.
Marigold is the next Honey Witch, to use her magic for the good of nature and people with a curse that no one may fall in love with her. Shield's proves she is a gifted atmospheric writer, painting beautiful landscapes and a world any witch can cozy into.
The stars begin to leave the rating once you peel back the quotable moments and dreamy world building to it's unmarried chapter parts. The spotlight feels to wobble all over the proverbial story stage with a weak tie up by the end. Marigold's conflict never feels fully developed and one plotline is pulled into focus at the dropping of another at the detriment to the reader. Touted for "fans of Bridgerton" with a sapphic magic romance, I warn you, fellow reader, to manage your expectations.
I enjoyed the world and look forward to seeing what Shields produces next: 4/5.
Black Tide Son by H.M. Long
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
Black Tide Son returns us to the Winter Sea world, where I make my exit early out of this series.
I gave "Dark Water Daughter" a re-read after receiving the ARC last year and wasn't sure what I loved about it the first time. I tried many times to get through it and skimmed the final few chapters hoping for reprieve in this installment, I was left out to sea. Quite honestly, the series could have ended at book one and it would have been a fine ending to a rather okay novel.
Black Tide Son was follows the protagonists with Mary the first contracted stormsinger to Sam's ship. They play this lackluster "will they/wont they" game throughout the novel while some paper tiger gods and monsters linger throughout the book as they figure out that yes, countries will do what they can to come out on top as the most powerful.
The problem with this series is not just its used coffee grounds for characters, its that there isn't anything new or exciting happening and it became harder and harder to pay attention to this novel. I don't think Long's writing is for me and for that I gave this book 2/5 stars and won't be recommending it.
I gave "Dark Water Daughter" a re-read after receiving the ARC last year and wasn't sure what I loved about it the first time. I tried many times to get through it and skimmed the final few chapters hoping for reprieve in this installment, I was left out to sea. Quite honestly, the series could have ended at book one and it would have been a fine ending to a rather okay novel.
Black Tide Son was follows the protagonists with Mary the first contracted stormsinger to Sam's ship. They play this lackluster "will they/wont they" game throughout the novel while some paper tiger gods and monsters linger throughout the book as they figure out that yes, countries will do what they can to come out on top as the most powerful.
The problem with this series is not just its used coffee grounds for characters, its that there isn't anything new or exciting happening and it became harder and harder to pay attention to this novel. I don't think Long's writing is for me and for that I gave this book 2/5 stars and won't be recommending it.
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A Sorceress Comes to Call weaves fantasy, folklore, and found family into a new gothic classic. I received this E-ARC edition through Macmillan Audio, narrated by Eliza Foss and Jennifer Pickens.
"A Sorceress Comes to Call" is an imaginative retelling of "The Goose Girl," a Grimms Fairytale I am not familiar with but certainly will be reading after the treat that was this novel by heavyweight T. Kingfisher. I have always enjoyed retellings that authors manage to put a unique spin on, and this one is sure to check many boxes for lovers of dark fantasy.
Cordelia is the mousy daughter of the powerful Sorceress Evangeline. Whether acting as her puppet or supplicant daughter, she knows her only role is "to marry a rich husband," a rather obscure idea for the 14-year-old. Cordelia's only refuge from her isolated life and emotionally abusive mother's control is her horse Falada. With her father done away with after refusing the hand of the sorceress and another benefactor having lost interest, Cordelia is rushed away to an older squire's home where Evangeline hopes to entrap a husband once and for all. When Cordelia meets the squire's older sister, she finally finds the strength to get out from her mother's magical grips once and for all.
Audiobook: This is the first full-length fantasy that I have enjoyed through an audiobook, and I believe the narrators did a superb job of bringing the characters to life. With one narrator taking a softer voice approach to Cordelia and the other taking a tighter vocalization for the sister Hester, it was easy to keep the storyline straight through the entire book. I would certainly seek to enjoy other novels by both of these narrators.
For fans of found family, folklore retellings, and survivors of mother dearest, I believe anyone will be able to build a home in this sweet novel. 4.5/5 stars.
"A Sorceress Comes to Call" is an imaginative retelling of "The Goose Girl," a Grimms Fairytale I am not familiar with but certainly will be reading after the treat that was this novel by heavyweight T. Kingfisher. I have always enjoyed retellings that authors manage to put a unique spin on, and this one is sure to check many boxes for lovers of dark fantasy.
Cordelia is the mousy daughter of the powerful Sorceress Evangeline. Whether acting as her puppet or supplicant daughter, she knows her only role is "to marry a rich husband," a rather obscure idea for the 14-year-old. Cordelia's only refuge from her isolated life and emotionally abusive mother's control is her horse Falada. With her father done away with after refusing the hand of the sorceress and another benefactor having lost interest, Cordelia is rushed away to an older squire's home where Evangeline hopes to entrap a husband once and for all. When Cordelia meets the squire's older sister, she finally finds the strength to get out from her mother's magical grips once and for all.
Audiobook: This is the first full-length fantasy that I have enjoyed through an audiobook, and I believe the narrators did a superb job of bringing the characters to life. With one narrator taking a softer voice approach to Cordelia and the other taking a tighter vocalization for the sister Hester, it was easy to keep the storyline straight through the entire book. I would certainly seek to enjoy other novels by both of these narrators.
For fans of found family, folklore retellings, and survivors of mother dearest, I believe anyone will be able to build a home in this sweet novel. 4.5/5 stars.
Mirrored Heavens by Rebecca Roanhorse
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
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
Prepare for a wave of fast-paced action in this novel, as Xiala, Serapio, and Naranpa make their final stand, their destinies converging in the last installment of the Between Earth and Sky series.
Writing this review with a bittersweet feeling, I express my love for this world, its characters, and its magic system. Roanhorse's magnum opus and gift to the realm of fantastic literature finally reaches its conclusion, leaving me feeling like I've lost a dear friend. Despite remaining a member of the Naranpa hater club until my last gasping breath, I found myself still engaged with her point of view, a rarity in stories with multiple converging plotlines.
Having enjoyed Black Sun immensely, I was left wanting by Fevered Star. Prior to delving into Mirrored Heavens, I made sure to revisit both, appreciating the reminder of how starved I had been for a non-European based novel. Roanhorse, a gifted writer, effortlessly weaves mythology with fantasy elements, creating a series that will endure as a classic. Whether you're new to fantasy or a seasoned reader, this novel offers something for everyone.
A remarkable rebound from Fevered Star, I happily award this book 5 stars and hold out hope for an epilogue someday.
Writing this review with a bittersweet feeling, I express my love for this world, its characters, and its magic system. Roanhorse's magnum opus and gift to the realm of fantastic literature finally reaches its conclusion, leaving me feeling like I've lost a dear friend. Despite remaining a member of the Naranpa hater club until my last gasping breath, I found myself still engaged with her point of view, a rarity in stories with multiple converging plotlines.
Having enjoyed Black Sun immensely, I was left wanting by Fevered Star. Prior to delving into Mirrored Heavens, I made sure to revisit both, appreciating the reminder of how starved I had been for a non-European based novel. Roanhorse, a gifted writer, effortlessly weaves mythology with fantasy elements, creating a series that will endure as a classic. Whether you're new to fantasy or a seasoned reader, this novel offers something for everyone.
A remarkable rebound from Fevered Star, I happily award this book 5 stars and hold out hope for an epilogue someday.
This Skin Was Once Mine by Eric LaRocca
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
3.5
"The worst thing a person can do to you, after they've hurt you, is let you live. That's how you truly and unmistakingly destroy another human being."
Eric LaRocca returns with another mixed collection of body horror, gore, and gloomy prose. I received a free audiobook version from the publisher, which will not alter my review. This novel is narrated by: Natalie Naudus, André Santana, Michael Crouch, Steven Crossley. A star-studded voice cast for another book that I can confirm with most certainty, will divide readers as LaRocca tends to do.
Listening to all 4 stories, the obvious standout is its namesake "This Skin Was Once Mine" narrated by the incredulous Natalie Naudus. I am fine with body horror as long as there is something giving the story structure and I found this was a delightfully terrifying listen. Protagonist Jillian must return home after the death of her beloved father to the estate that her mother banned her from over 20 years ago. Having felt like a monster since being sent away, she plans to confront her mother and find out what truly happened to her father once and for all. Her father's monthly letters however, fail to mention the true state of her childhood home and the going ons of the past two decades.
The psychological thriller components are strong in both "This Skin Was Once Mine" and "All the Parts of You That Won't Easily Burn." I find LaRocca's writing more enjoyable via audiobooks as it adds a certain layer to the horror elements when you find a strong of cast as they have for this novel. I may be burned for saying this but I enjoyed the audiobook and would continue to request LaRocca's novels for future review. "This Skin Was Once Mine" receives 4.5/5 stars, the full novel 3/5, and the audiobook narration 4.5/5 stars.
Eric LaRocca returns with another mixed collection of body horror, gore, and gloomy prose. I received a free audiobook version from the publisher, which will not alter my review. This novel is narrated by: Natalie Naudus, André Santana, Michael Crouch, Steven Crossley. A star-studded voice cast for another book that I can confirm with most certainty, will divide readers as LaRocca tends to do.
Listening to all 4 stories, the obvious standout is its namesake "This Skin Was Once Mine" narrated by the incredulous Natalie Naudus. I am fine with body horror as long as there is something giving the story structure and I found this was a delightfully terrifying listen. Protagonist Jillian must return home after the death of her beloved father to the estate that her mother banned her from over 20 years ago. Having felt like a monster since being sent away, she plans to confront her mother and find out what truly happened to her father once and for all. Her father's monthly letters however, fail to mention the true state of her childhood home and the going ons of the past two decades.
The psychological thriller components are strong in both "This Skin Was Once Mine" and "All the Parts of You That Won't Easily Burn." I find LaRocca's writing more enjoyable via audiobooks as it adds a certain layer to the horror elements when you find a strong of cast as they have for this novel. I may be burned for saying this but I enjoyed the audiobook and would continue to request LaRocca's novels for future review. "This Skin Was Once Mine" receives 4.5/5 stars, the full novel 3/5, and the audiobook narration 4.5/5 stars.
This Fatal Kiss by Alicia Jasinska
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A YA romantacy with a modern edge, over a moody and whimsical backdrop.
Gisela is a water nymph with a hole in her memory and all she wants to do is get back to her family. Kazik the anti-social exorcist takes after his grandparents magic in sending spirits terrorizing the sleepy village to the otherside. When Kazik finally catches the bothersome Gisela, instead of sending her into the next life, she strikes him a deal: help her receive a kiss from a human and she will no longer be a nymph. No longer a monster, Kazik will be free to move onto other monsters and she will finally be free.
It has been awhile since I have enjoyed not only a romantacy but a YA novel! Exploring themes of gender fluidity, queerness, and polyamory, I quite enjoyed this first installment. I was never left wanting the book to pick up and it had many laughable moments (e.g. the use of the word "sky daddy" in a historic romantacy for one). It was a fun ride akin to Lex Croucher and I can't wait to revisit this world again. 4/5 stars.
Gisela is a water nymph with a hole in her memory and all she wants to do is get back to her family. Kazik the anti-social exorcist takes after his grandparents magic in sending spirits terrorizing the sleepy village to the otherside. When Kazik finally catches the bothersome Gisela, instead of sending her into the next life, she strikes him a deal: help her receive a kiss from a human and she will no longer be a nymph. No longer a monster, Kazik will be free to move onto other monsters and she will finally be free.
It has been awhile since I have enjoyed not only a romantacy but a YA novel! Exploring themes of gender fluidity, queerness, and polyamory, I quite enjoyed this first installment. I was never left wanting the book to pick up and it had many laughable moments (e.g. the use of the word "sky daddy" in a historic romantacy for one). It was a fun ride akin to Lex Croucher and I can't wait to revisit this world again. 4/5 stars.
Fifty Beasts to Break Your Heart: And Other Stories by GennaRose Nethercott
dark
emotional
mysterious
4.0
From the author of "Thistlefoot" comes a superlative collection of short stories that highlight the all consuming, harrowing experiences of love and heartache. From fantasy to toeing the boarders of horror, most of these stories left me feeling deep pangs of empathy for the characters you only spend a few pages with.
I won't go into all of the stories in the novel but if you're looking for something dark, folksy, and characters you can truly commiserate in bleak weather with - check it out! 4/5 stars.
I won't go into all of the stories in the novel but if you're looking for something dark, folksy, and characters you can truly commiserate in bleak weather with - check it out! 4/5 stars.
Bunny by Mona Awad
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0