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1011 reviews
Of Empires and Dust by Ryan Cahill
5.0
I don't even know where to start. It's been a few day since I finished Of Empires and Dust and I'm still reeling. I feel like it's gonna take me a while to truly process everything.
I was lucky enough to be given an ARC of what has been my most anticipated release of the year and I couldn't be more grateful!! From the minute I got my hands on it, all I wanted to do was devour this book as fast as possible - yet, at the same time, savor every word, linger with every moment, just to stay in this world and with these characters for as long as possible.
My expectations going in were so insanely high and I am happy to say that they have all been met and then some. It is hard to talk about a book this deep into a series without spoilers, but I will say: Ryan has, again, done the impossible and stepped everything up a notch!!
Of Empires and Dust continues right where Of War and Ruin left off. We see characters trying to navigate situations they never asked for but were thrust into, trying to do the best with what they've been given, being confronted with impossible decisions and having to choose, knowing full well that there is always a price to pay. Sacrifices have to be made, but there is always a sense of hope that permeates through it all: hope to persevere, hope to make a difference, hope it will all have been worth it in the end.
There are some fantastic revelations and jaw-dropping twists that I did not see coming at all, and quite a few flashbacks and callbacks that I appreciated all the more having just reread the previous books. A lot of the threads, that have been there from the very beginning, are starting to come together, and intriguing new POVs and elements are being introduced that deepen the world & characters even further.
This book also continues to build up some incredible redemption arcs. The different POVs from varying sides, once again, add so much nuance & depth to the characters & dynamics at play here. There are 2 characters I was determined to hate, but Ryan, of course, made it impossible, and instead managed to make me feel sorry for them. One has now officially joined my list of favorite characters! And other new favorites have emerged as well, like Tivar and Kira. And Dann - who is a top-tier character for me now!!
I've always liked Dann, but his journey & impact in this book have made me appreciate him in a whole new way. He is such a precious character with his heart in the right place. I love how his scenes can lighten the mood and how he delivers the perfect bit of humor in between some of the heavier scenes. Which is not to say that he can’t be serious as well - there were some very touching moments that made my eyes sting (and more), some of my favorite and most memorable parts.
Experiencing this book was like going through a whirlwind of emotions. Some of the most gut-wrenching moments were sometimes intertwined with moments of overwhelming joy. And while I loved it, when a character got their big & satisfying moment, it was often the small & quieter ones that truly got to me. No author has ever made me shed these many tears - and I’m not usually one to cry while reading. But there were so many emotional moments in this book specifically that it was hard to hold back, and while I managed to somewhat recover myself most of the times, there was a chapter towards the end that finally broke me - and made me full on sob.
There’s something about Ryan’s writing that goes straight to my heart…and my tear ducts apparently. It evokes so much emotion, no matter how big or small the scene. The way he writes just works so well for me, I can see everything happening before my eyes, the action sequences in particular are so vivid and play like movie scenes in my mind. Ryan is a fantastic storyteller and the way he weaves plot and character moments together is masterful.
Of Empires and Dust exceeds even Of War and Ruin in its chonkyness, but I was so engrossed in everything the pages just flew by, and I can honestly say that there is not one chapter, not one scene I would wanna miss. It's the sum of all the big & little pieces in this book that make it such an impactful & gripping experience. All the epic, outstanding sequences, and the devastating ones, the little breather chapters, and the ones adding depth to characters. With every read and reread, I always want more, never less, from these books.
This series just speaks to my soul and has brought my love for books to another level!!
And I can't wait for everyone to experience this beautiful, touching, thrilling, and heart-wrenching continuation of a story that feels like a classic already.
Thank you so much to Ryan Cahill for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I was lucky enough to be given an ARC of what has been my most anticipated release of the year and I couldn't be more grateful!! From the minute I got my hands on it, all I wanted to do was devour this book as fast as possible - yet, at the same time, savor every word, linger with every moment, just to stay in this world and with these characters for as long as possible.
My expectations going in were so insanely high and I am happy to say that they have all been met and then some. It is hard to talk about a book this deep into a series without spoilers, but I will say: Ryan has, again, done the impossible and stepped everything up a notch!!
Of Empires and Dust continues right where Of War and Ruin left off. We see characters trying to navigate situations they never asked for but were thrust into, trying to do the best with what they've been given, being confronted with impossible decisions and having to choose, knowing full well that there is always a price to pay. Sacrifices have to be made, but there is always a sense of hope that permeates through it all: hope to persevere, hope to make a difference, hope it will all have been worth it in the end.
There are some fantastic revelations and jaw-dropping twists that I did not see coming at all, and quite a few flashbacks and callbacks that I appreciated all the more having just reread the previous books. A lot of the threads, that have been there from the very beginning, are starting to come together, and intriguing new POVs and elements are being introduced that deepen the world & characters even further.
This book also continues to build up some incredible redemption arcs. The different POVs from varying sides, once again, add so much nuance & depth to the characters & dynamics at play here. There are 2 characters I was determined to hate, but Ryan, of course, made it impossible, and instead managed to make me feel sorry for them. One has now officially joined my list of favorite characters! And other new favorites have emerged as well, like Tivar and Kira. And Dann - who is a top-tier character for me now!!
I've always liked Dann, but his journey & impact in this book have made me appreciate him in a whole new way. He is such a precious character with his heart in the right place. I love how his scenes can lighten the mood and how he delivers the perfect bit of humor in between some of the heavier scenes. Which is not to say that he can’t be serious as well - there were some very touching moments that made my eyes sting (and more), some of my favorite and most memorable parts.
Experiencing this book was like going through a whirlwind of emotions. Some of the most gut-wrenching moments were sometimes intertwined with moments of overwhelming joy. And while I loved it, when a character got their big & satisfying moment, it was often the small & quieter ones that truly got to me. No author has ever made me shed these many tears - and I’m not usually one to cry while reading. But there were so many emotional moments in this book specifically that it was hard to hold back, and while I managed to somewhat recover myself most of the times, there was a chapter towards the end that finally broke me - and made me full on sob.
There’s something about Ryan’s writing that goes straight to my heart…and my tear ducts apparently. It evokes so much emotion, no matter how big or small the scene. The way he writes just works so well for me, I can see everything happening before my eyes, the action sequences in particular are so vivid and play like movie scenes in my mind. Ryan is a fantastic storyteller and the way he weaves plot and character moments together is masterful.
Of Empires and Dust exceeds even Of War and Ruin in its chonkyness, but I was so engrossed in everything the pages just flew by, and I can honestly say that there is not one chapter, not one scene I would wanna miss. It's the sum of all the big & little pieces in this book that make it such an impactful & gripping experience. All the epic, outstanding sequences, and the devastating ones, the little breather chapters, and the ones adding depth to characters. With every read and reread, I always want more, never less, from these books.
This series just speaks to my soul and has brought my love for books to another level!!
And I can't wait for everyone to experience this beautiful, touching, thrilling, and heart-wrenching continuation of a story that feels like a classic already.
Thank you so much to Ryan Cahill for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
4.5
Awww, what a cute & heart-warming story! This is the kind of rom-com I love to get lost in.
The premise and setting were fun and the family dynamic on Lucie's side was adorable. It was refreshing to see characters with emotional depth that didn't fall victim to the miscommunication trope. I liked watching them talk to each other, grow together, and bring the other out of their shell. Lucie & Aiden had great chemistry from the start, their interactions made me actually giggle a few times - how I wished for their radio show to be real.
I loved getting both perspectives, learning about both backstories and circumstances at the same time as Lucie & Aiden were growing closer and more trusting of one another. It helped me get invested early on and I was rooting for them pretty much from the beginning.
This was my first B.K. Borison book and I'm now eager to read more from this author!
The premise and setting were fun and the family dynamic on Lucie's side was adorable. It was refreshing to see characters with emotional depth that didn't fall victim to the miscommunication trope. I liked watching them talk to each other, grow together, and bring the other out of their shell. Lucie & Aiden had great chemistry from the start, their interactions made me actually giggle a few times - how I wished for their radio show to be real.
I loved getting both perspectives, learning about both backstories and circumstances at the same time as Lucie & Aiden were growing closer and more trusting of one another. It helped me get invested early on and I was rooting for them pretty much from the beginning.
This was my first B.K. Borison book and I'm now eager to read more from this author!
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
4.5
I picked up Deep End on a whim, since I wasn't really in the mood for anything specific - and wow ... I did not expect to get sucked in like this!! If it wasn't for sleep & work, I could and would've easily devoured this book in one sitting.
How this whole thing between Scarlett and Lukas started felt a bit clumsy & weird at first, but a few chapters in that was all forgotten: the slow burn and the build-up of tension and chemistry was intoxicating. And while certain parts weren't my cup of tea, I couldn't get enough of their heart-pounding scenes together.
What caught me a bit off guard at the beginning was how different Lukas was from what I've come to expect these kind of love interests to be. He was so direct, so no-nonsense, and I really came to appreciate that - especially his dry sense of humor, haha.
I was waiting for some silly drama to arise, and there were a few moments where it could've easily turned that way, but for the most part I was pleasantly surprised. Well, there was one dreaded twist that popped up towards the end and annoyed me a bit. Other than that, I really enjoyed the overall story and have a feeling it will stay with me for a while.
How this whole thing between Scarlett and Lukas started felt a bit clumsy & weird at first, but a few chapters in that was all forgotten: the slow burn and the build-up of tension and chemistry was intoxicating. And while certain parts weren't my cup of tea, I couldn't get enough of their heart-pounding scenes together.
What caught me a bit off guard at the beginning was how different Lukas was from what I've come to expect these kind of love interests to be. He was so direct, so no-nonsense, and I really came to appreciate that - especially his dry sense of humor, haha.
I was waiting for some silly drama to arise, and there were a few moments where it could've easily turned that way, but for the most part I was pleasantly surprised. Well, there was one dreaded twist that popped up towards the end and annoyed me a bit. Other than that, I really enjoyed the overall story and have a feeling it will stay with me for a while.
The Blood that Burns the Winter Snow by Ryan Cahill
5.0
I first read this short story as part of The Advent of Winter and it’s even better than I remembered!
Vars is such an interesting character, so I loved getting this little glimpse into his backstory. A quick & atmospheric read that adds a tiny yet informative little piece to the overall story of The Bound and the Broken.
Vars is such an interesting character, so I loved getting this little glimpse into his backstory. A quick & atmospheric read that adds a tiny yet informative little piece to the overall story of The Bound and the Broken.
Of War and Ruin by Ryan Cahill
5.0
2nd read: 5 stars!
There are no words to explain how epic and incredible this book, this series as a whole, is! It encompasses everything I adore and enjoy about fantasy and reading, and manages to tickle my brain in just the right way.
The character work in this series is simply outstanding. Never have I loved, hated, despised, felt for, or commiserated with so many characters. Usually it's the main characters that make the story, with the odd side characters here and there that capture my heart and attention. But here, I feel some sort of connection to almost everybody, or at least the tiniest bit of sympathy or the need to look deeper. Ryan has a way of making his characters feel so tangible, like they could exist somewhere out there.
The way the story and plot progress from book to book is also so exciting and satisfying. It allows the reader to slowly get acquainted with the rich history of the world, while diving deeper and deeper into brewing conflicts, intriguing mysteries, and compelling relationships. New characters, fractions, and corners of the world get introduced in such a natural and seamless way, it never feels jarring or out of place, it just makes sense.
Of War and Ruin is quite the chonker, yet the engaging quality of Ryan's writing makes the pages fly by in a blur. The action, tension, emotion, and thrill had me, again, engrossed in the very best way, and turning the last page felt like reaching a sudden abyss. I just wanted more.
I loved all the epic battles (chapter 69 has one of my absolute favorite scenes, iykyk), the unexpected twists, the grounding humor & fun banter, and the touching moments. I like to get invested, but rarely do I get overly emotional or cry. Well, here I was again, my eyes stinging, my soul shattering. Even knowing what was coming didn't prevent me from shedding quite a few tears. This series just does it all to me.
And I can't wait to get absorbed into this world again ... and probably destroyed along the way. But that is a risk I'm willing to take! I'M SO READY!!!
1st read: 5 stars!
Oh, my goodness! What a sequel, what a jump in epicness!! What I wouldn’t give to stay in this world, with these characters, a little longer …
There are no words to explain how epic and incredible this book, this series as a whole, is! It encompasses everything I adore and enjoy about fantasy and reading, and manages to tickle my brain in just the right way.
The character work in this series is simply outstanding. Never have I loved, hated, despised, felt for, or commiserated with so many characters. Usually it's the main characters that make the story, with the odd side characters here and there that capture my heart and attention. But here, I feel some sort of connection to almost everybody, or at least the tiniest bit of sympathy or the need to look deeper. Ryan has a way of making his characters feel so tangible, like they could exist somewhere out there.
The way the story and plot progress from book to book is also so exciting and satisfying. It allows the reader to slowly get acquainted with the rich history of the world, while diving deeper and deeper into brewing conflicts, intriguing mysteries, and compelling relationships. New characters, fractions, and corners of the world get introduced in such a natural and seamless way, it never feels jarring or out of place, it just makes sense.
Of War and Ruin is quite the chonker, yet the engaging quality of Ryan's writing makes the pages fly by in a blur. The action, tension, emotion, and thrill had me, again, engrossed in the very best way, and turning the last page felt like reaching a sudden abyss. I just wanted more.
I loved all the epic battles (chapter 69 has one of my absolute favorite scenes, iykyk), the unexpected twists, the grounding humor & fun banter, and the touching moments. I like to get invested, but rarely do I get overly emotional or cry. Well, here I was again, my eyes stinging, my soul shattering. Even knowing what was coming didn't prevent me from shedding quite a few tears. This series just does it all to me.
And I can't wait to get absorbed into this world again ... and probably destroyed along the way. But that is a risk I'm willing to take! I'M SO READY!!!
1st read: 5 stars!
Oh, my goodness! What a sequel, what a jump in epicness!! What I wouldn’t give to stay in this world, with these characters, a little longer …
Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver
3.0
This was, unfortunately, my least favorite entry in the series. The plot meandered, and while I liked Fionn and Rose together, the chemistry between them wasn't as strong. A raccoon turned out to be an unexpected highlight.
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver
slow-paced
3.5
Not as good as Butcher & Blackbird, but still fun! The storyline felt a bit weaker, the pacing was slower, and there wasn't as much killing going on as I thought there would be. However, I enjoyed the fake marriage trope in this one and watching the connection between Lachlan & Lark slowly grow was sweet. Also, shoutout to aunt Ethel - she was hilarious and I would've loved to see more from her.
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
4.0
What a disturbing, yet fun & addictive read this was! The chemistry between Sloane & Rowan was off the charts, their banter absolutely delicious. The portrayal of Sloane's characters seemed a bit weaker in the second half of the book, but by the end it felt like she'd found her groove again.
There were times when I felt kinda grossed and weirded out by things, only to get sucked back in by the humor, suspense, or emotion.
This turned out to be the genre mix I didn't know I needed in my life, but here we are. I can't wait to delve into the next one!
There were times when I felt kinda grossed and weirded out by things, only to get sucked back in by the humor, suspense, or emotion.
This turned out to be the genre mix I didn't know I needed in my life, but here we are. I can't wait to delve into the next one!
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
4.5
Now this was a very satisfying follow-up and conclusion to One Dark Window! The sequel brought the story to a whole other level and made me even appreciate book 1 a bit more.
I loved the deeper dive into the history & mystery of Blunder as well as the focus on more POVs. But what really made the book for me was the storyline surrounding Elm & Ione!! I enjoyed their chapters so much that I kept forgetting (and basically not really caring ^^) about Elspeth and Ravyn, haha.
The ending was bittersweet and worked really well, I liked how everything was resolved and where everyone ended up. I'll be for sure reading more from this author!
I loved the deeper dive into the history & mystery of Blunder as well as the focus on more POVs. But what really made the book for me was the storyline surrounding Elm & Ione!! I enjoyed their chapters so much that I kept forgetting (and basically not really caring ^^) about Elspeth and Ravyn, haha.
The ending was bittersweet and worked really well, I liked how everything was resolved and where everyone ended up. I'll be for sure reading more from this author!
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
slow-paced
3.75
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would! It did take me a bit to get into, and I'm not really invested in the love story, but there was something about the mystical fairytale vibes and the fascinating magic system that managed to grab my attention. And the ending is sending me straight to book 2!!