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bittennailbooks's reviews
269 reviews
The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Hoookay the #whinybabymoodreaderchallenge (@bittennailbooks on the Tok) continues with "The Bone Shard Daughter" by Andrea Stewart.
This book over delights with its grand conceptualization of bone-based magic but does it ever take a slogging amount of time to get there. The novel focuses on three primary storylines: the emperor's daughter in a competition with her foster brother for the throne, a smartmouth smuggler looking for his missing wife, and a idealist nepobaby coming face-to-face with her privilege. The magic system is quite interesting in that it takes bone shards from everyday people in the Kingdom to power these disgusting Frankenstein-style servants called constructs, which ends up slowly killing the donor. A revolution is brewing as the emperor continues to succumb to his paranoia around his daughter and foster son. My issue with this book is that nothing happens for the first 200 pages? I thought to myself this was going to be just another kind of meh read, but oh boy does it pick up if you hang on just a little bit longer. I don't think I would chalk that up to the heavy world building, it just felt like it took a long time to care about these characters. A lot of interesting discussions around changing idealism and very relevant to today's social climate. When revolutions happen: is it truly going to make things better for everyone or is the power just changing hands?
Overall, I feel like the writing skill is there, there is an interesting story to be told, however, it just spent way too much time setting everything up. This book may miss a lot of folks because it really does require you to just "hold on, I'm getting to the big plot reveal!!!" I know this book isn't going to be for everyone but I think it's worth it if you're looking for something a little bit different. 3.5/5 ⭐
This book over delights with its grand conceptualization of bone-based magic but does it ever take a slogging amount of time to get there. The novel focuses on three primary storylines: the emperor's daughter in a competition with her foster brother for the throne, a smartmouth smuggler looking for his missing wife, and a idealist nepobaby coming face-to-face with her privilege. The magic system is quite interesting in that it takes bone shards from everyday people in the Kingdom to power these disgusting Frankenstein-style servants called constructs, which ends up slowly killing the donor. A revolution is brewing as the emperor continues to succumb to his paranoia around his daughter and foster son. My issue with this book is that nothing happens for the first 200 pages? I thought to myself this was going to be just another kind of meh read, but oh boy does it pick up if you hang on just a little bit longer. I don't think I would chalk that up to the heavy world building, it just felt like it took a long time to care about these characters. A lot of interesting discussions around changing idealism and very relevant to today's social climate. When revolutions happen: is it truly going to make things better for everyone or is the power just changing hands?
Overall, I feel like the writing skill is there, there is an interesting story to be told, however, it just spent way too much time setting everything up. This book may miss a lot of folks because it really does require you to just "hold on, I'm getting to the big plot reveal!!!" I know this book isn't going to be for everyone but I think it's worth it if you're looking for something a little bit different. 3.5/5 ⭐
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
We did it friends, we completed not only the #whinybabymoodreaderchallenge book #1 BUT we had a great time doing it.
Six of Crows is an exciting YA fantasy novel that deserves the cult-like status and praise it regularly receives.
Albeit this novel started a little cumbersome with a ragtag group of misfits coming together for the ultimate score, it quickly transfigures into a white-knuckle ride until book #1's conclusion. Bardugo keeps you guessing how these little criminals are going to make it out alive but hey, no mourners, no funerals, right?
It's hard not to love each character in their own special, terrible way. I think this book is about the terrible friends we meet along the way that dig themselves under our skin like a hungry tick.
A gritty and fun duology that will remain a staple in any fantasy lovers shelf.
Six of Crows is an exciting YA fantasy novel that deserves the cult-like status and praise it regularly receives.
Albeit this novel started a little cumbersome with a ragtag group of misfits coming together for the ultimate score, it quickly transfigures into a white-knuckle ride until book #1's conclusion. Bardugo keeps you guessing how these little criminals are going to make it out alive but hey, no mourners, no funerals, right?
It's hard not to love each character in their own special, terrible way. I think this book is about the terrible friends we meet along the way that dig themselves under our skin like a hungry tick.
A gritty and fun duology that will remain a staple in any fantasy lovers shelf.
Court Of Wanderers by Rin Chupeco
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-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? No
3.0
The sexy and bloody conclusion to The Silver Under Nightfall duology.
A gothic and war hungry fantasy novel by Chupeco sees the return of Remy and his vampire lovers Xiaodan and Malekh as they continue their hunt for the Night Empress. I wanted to love this book, I truly did, but I found the pacing and construction of the story felt overwhelmingly slow and patchwork.
I did enjoy getting to see more of the political intrigue in this installment but felt the drawn out conversations and hard stops had me forcing myself to read. This novel felt extremely long with nothing happening in the first 50% of the book and shoving the action into the last 20%, I was almost considering that this might be a trilogy but it does wrap up nicely.
I'd probably review this as 2.5 stars but bumped it to 3 as there just isn't enough good polyamory rep in literature. I'm a sucker for sexy poly vampires. 3/5
A gothic and war hungry fantasy novel by Chupeco sees the return of Remy and his vampire lovers Xiaodan and Malekh as they continue their hunt for the Night Empress. I wanted to love this book, I truly did, but I found the pacing and construction of the story felt overwhelmingly slow and patchwork.
I did enjoy getting to see more of the political intrigue in this installment but felt the drawn out conversations and hard stops had me forcing myself to read. This novel felt extremely long with nothing happening in the first 50% of the book and shoving the action into the last 20%, I was almost considering that this might be a trilogy but it does wrap up nicely.
I'd probably review this as 2.5 stars but bumped it to 3 as there just isn't enough good polyamory rep in literature. I'm a sucker for sexy poly vampires. 3/5
The Absinthe Underground by Jamie Pacton
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
A vibrant, romantic, and fantastic heist through a Moulin-rouge inspired world.
Esme and Sybil are two room mates that are down on their luck and have nothing but each other in the big city. Esme the sweet clock-obsessed cat lover and the mysterious Sybil, steal collectable posters just to keep their heads afloat. Attempting to sell a new, rare poster of the green fairy lands them in the hip club The Absinthe Underground. The alluring owner offers up knowledge where that the green fairy may not be just a drink-induced illusion after all and she's offering up a score that could set them up for life.
This novel started off really bumpy for me but picks up in the imagination around the 50% mark. There were some great tense moments and a really interesting premise with the real world/faeland adventure. That being said, this novel felt skimpy on the details and glossed over a lot of character building. I was surprised with the amount of dropped threads in the story and it felt frustrating having to go back and make sure that it wasn't just me that missed plot points. There was a lot of telling with the sapphic pining that felt like it could have been traded into making Sybil a more likeable protagonist. Yeesh.
Was it a nail biter? It is a lush book that has some writing that could be improved but overall, it was a fun read. 3/5 ⭐.
Esme and Sybil are two room mates that are down on their luck and have nothing but each other in the big city. Esme the sweet clock-obsessed cat lover and the mysterious Sybil, steal collectable posters just to keep their heads afloat. Attempting to sell a new, rare poster of the green fairy lands them in the hip club The Absinthe Underground. The alluring owner offers up knowledge where that the green fairy may not be just a drink-induced illusion after all and she's offering up a score that could set them up for life.
This novel started off really bumpy for me but picks up in the imagination around the 50% mark. There were some great tense moments and a really interesting premise with the real world/faeland adventure. That being said, this novel felt skimpy on the details and glossed over a lot of character building. I was surprised with the amount of dropped threads in the story and it felt frustrating having to go back and make sure that it wasn't just me that missed plot points. There was a lot of telling with the sapphic pining that felt like it could have been traded into making Sybil a more likeable protagonist. Yeesh.
Was it a nail biter? It is a lush book that has some writing that could be improved but overall, it was a fun read. 3/5 ⭐.
That Time I Got Drunk And Yeeted A Love Potion At A Werewolf by Kimberly Lemming
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Sexy, silly, and hilarious, Lemming really finds a clear voice in this novel!
The demons have all moved into the town of Boohail, for better or for worse, and all Brie wants is a bit of peace and quiet. Unfortunately, her scoundrel neighbor barking up the wrong tree in attempts to roofie her with a love potion, the cup goes flying and covering nearby werewolf Felix. Now convinced he's Brie's fated mate, Brie has more than she can handle with not only the women in their small town going missing but now a werewolf who is destined to win her heart like the smutty romance novels she collects.
Lemming really finds her voice in book two with reeling in the ambitious plots in favour a more at home flavor of romantacy and light mystery. It felt cozy, sexy, and had me smiling ear to ear throughout. It also avoids the pitfalls of the cozy genre that it does have a plot that can keep readers engaged for more than just the spice.
Was it a nail biter? You bet, my favorite of the series so far! 4.5/5
The demons have all moved into the town of Boohail, for better or for worse, and all Brie wants is a bit of peace and quiet. Unfortunately, her scoundrel neighbor barking up the wrong tree in attempts to roofie her with a love potion, the cup goes flying and covering nearby werewolf Felix. Now convinced he's Brie's fated mate, Brie has more than she can handle with not only the women in their small town going missing but now a werewolf who is destined to win her heart like the smutty romance novels she collects.
Lemming really finds her voice in book two with reeling in the ambitious plots in favour a more at home flavor of romantacy and light mystery. It felt cozy, sexy, and had me smiling ear to ear throughout. It also avoids the pitfalls of the cozy genre that it does have a plot that can keep readers engaged for more than just the spice.
Was it a nail biter? You bet, my favorite of the series so far! 4.5/5
Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
An unexpected surprise of a debut. Fathomfolk punches without relent from beginning to end!
The story of Fathomfolk is centered around 3 main characters: half-Siren military leader Mira, recently exiled dragon Nami, and seawitch Cordelia living in the submerged city of Tiankawi. A supposed haven where humans and Fathomfolk are to live side by side, not with humans stepping on the folk. Oppressed, living in polluted squalor, and with their powers restricted - a civil war is brewing as the Fathomfolk continue to be pushed into further desolation.
You really get surprised with this novel, the artwork is obviously beautiful but it deals with heavy topics of immigration, civil war, climate crisis, and racism. Chan delivers on a coherent and heavily bricked story that pulls no punches with the discourse around oppression, intersectionality, and the taxonomy of activism. How far are you willing to go for change? What does successful change look like? How will you know you've made things better?
My criticisms lie primarily within the consistent barage of information and world building without fully forming the characters. I struggled with the narration as I was suddenly lost in who was the focus of each scene. Additionally, the first 50% of the novel still had me scratching my head with what the main plot was. From political drama to ending on a more fantastic note, don't be fooled from the beautiful cover - this book is rich with relevant social commentary.
I'm interested to see where Fathomfolk goes and look forward to (hopefully) seeing more of that fantasy element.
The story of Fathomfolk is centered around 3 main characters: half-Siren military leader Mira, recently exiled dragon Nami, and seawitch Cordelia living in the submerged city of Tiankawi. A supposed haven where humans and Fathomfolk are to live side by side, not with humans stepping on the folk. Oppressed, living in polluted squalor, and with their powers restricted - a civil war is brewing as the Fathomfolk continue to be pushed into further desolation.
You really get surprised with this novel, the artwork is obviously beautiful but it deals with heavy topics of immigration, civil war, climate crisis, and racism. Chan delivers on a coherent and heavily bricked story that pulls no punches with the discourse around oppression, intersectionality, and the taxonomy of activism. How far are you willing to go for change? What does successful change look like? How will you know you've made things better?
My criticisms lie primarily within the consistent barage of information and world building without fully forming the characters. I struggled with the narration as I was suddenly lost in who was the focus of each scene. Additionally, the first 50% of the novel still had me scratching my head with what the main plot was. From political drama to ending on a more fantastic note, don't be fooled from the beautiful cover - this book is rich with relevant social commentary.
I'm interested to see where Fathomfolk goes and look forward to (hopefully) seeing more of that fantasy element.
Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin
dark
emotional
funny
sad
fast-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
A wholly gutting, hilarious, and peeking-through-fingers cringing, an absolute must read!
Enid is a half-Deaf, neurodivergent, lesbian who is afraid of bald men and wonders if she's a bad person. A new relationship reluctantly inspires Enid to delve further into her childhood issues, foster a relationship with her deceased Dad's replacement family, and why she avoids the possibility that anything may work out for her. For true crime lovers and anyone who might wonder if they're broken inside (and if it's forever).
I adored this book, I felt sick to my stomach, roared with laughter, and wondered if the feeling of being a rotten human is a characteristic of truly good people.
An absolute painful pleasure of a read, 5 stars!
Enid is a half-Deaf, neurodivergent, lesbian who is afraid of bald men and wonders if she's a bad person. A new relationship reluctantly inspires Enid to delve further into her childhood issues, foster a relationship with her deceased Dad's replacement family, and why she avoids the possibility that anything may work out for her. For true crime lovers and anyone who might wonder if they're broken inside (and if it's forever).
I adored this book, I felt sick to my stomach, roared with laughter, and wondered if the feeling of being a rotten human is a characteristic of truly good people.
An absolute painful pleasure of a read, 5 stars!
A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair
adventurous
dark
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? Yes
3.75
I finally read "A Broken Blade" by Melissa Blair (famous booktoker and scavenger hunt curator)! This book has been recommended to me SO many times but I hate starting unfinished series. with both books and the third ARC in hand, I finally decided to give it a go.
A good entry level fantasy novel that packs in well-loved romantacy tropes. Blair certainly knows her booktok audience! I also enjoyed the insertion of Indigenous issues around blood quantum, land/crown, and governance included throughout. A lot of parallels drawn in the real world around the fight for survival.
My issues with the novel were within its straightforward and predictable plot. Unfortunately, the twist was predictable very early on and doesn't leave much for the wow moment. The story was already off in a run while I was still trying to figure out the cast and their motives. I hope to see more from the characters as a whole and hope books 2 & 3 give that to us.
Overall, I think this is a great first fantasy for folks looking to enter the genre and will be looking forward to starting A Shadow Crown next!
A good entry level fantasy novel that packs in well-loved romantacy tropes. Blair certainly knows her booktok audience! I also enjoyed the insertion of Indigenous issues around blood quantum, land/crown, and governance included throughout. A lot of parallels drawn in the real world around the fight for survival.
My issues with the novel were within its straightforward and predictable plot. Unfortunately, the twist was predictable very early on and doesn't leave much for the wow moment. The story was already off in a run while I was still trying to figure out the cast and their motives. I hope to see more from the characters as a whole and hope books 2 & 3 give that to us.
Overall, I think this is a great first fantasy for folks looking to enter the genre and will be looking forward to starting A Shadow Crown next!