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bookishwayfarer's reviews
179 reviews
Windmills in Time by Victoria Bruce
adventurous
fast-paced
4.0
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/vintage-romance-windmills-in-time-by-victoria-bruce
Don’t let the terribly lame cover put you off, for contained within the pages of Windmills in Time is an enthralling story replete with time travel, adventure, & a slow-burn romance. This book truly is a case study in why to never judge a book by its cover.
Don’t let the terribly lame cover put you off, for contained within the pages of Windmills in Time is an enthralling story replete with time travel, adventure, & a slow-burn romance. This book truly is a case study in why to never judge a book by its cover.
The Traitor Queen by Danielle L. Jensen
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-the-traitor-queen-by-danielle-l-jensen
Picking up where The Bridge Kingdom left off, Lara is determined to free Aren & redeem herself — to the extent that she can be redeemed. From its plot to its characters & world building, The Traitor Queen hits the mark across the board. It is a thrilling & fast-paced sequel, filled with action & plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments.
Picking up where The Bridge Kingdom left off, Lara is determined to free Aren & redeem herself — to the extent that she can be redeemed. From its plot to its characters & world building, The Traitor Queen hits the mark across the board. It is a thrilling & fast-paced sequel, filled with action & plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments.
The Emperor of Evening Stars by Laura Thalassa
adventurous
3.5
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-the-emperor-of-evening-stars-by-laura-thalassa
Delving into the past, this novella provides an overview of Des’ earliest years and his path to becoming the King of Night. It is an entertaining read that offers a welcome respite between the full-length, action-packed novels. If you are reading The Bargainer series, be sure to not skip this one!
Delving into the past, this novella provides an overview of Des’ earliest years and his path to becoming the King of Night. It is an entertaining read that offers a welcome respite between the full-length, action-packed novels. If you are reading The Bargainer series, be sure to not skip this one!
The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-the-book-of-life-by-deborah-harkness
In this final installment in the All Souls trilogy, Diana & Matthew have returned to the present day to resume their search for the Book of Life. So as to not give anything away, I will simply say that this book is a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to one of my all-time favorite series. Story arcs are given proper resolutions, & characters receive fitting send-offs.
The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-the-nature-of-witches-by-rachel-griffin
In this YA fantasy, climate change is wreaking havoc on the environment, as well as witches’ control of the natural world. Forced to use their magic outside of its season, witches are dying of depletion, & their only hope for a future lies with Clara Densmore, an Everwitch whose magic is not tied to any season. Clara’s magic, however, comes at a steep price: it seeks out & kills those she holds most dear.
With its overarching theme of climate change, The Nature of Witches is a timely piece. It is also well-written & appropriately paced, with adequate time being given to develop the magic system & plot. There’s even some romance sprinkled in, & it boasts a fairly diverse cast of characters. My one complaint pertains to Clara; namely, her refusal to learn how to control her magic is a tad drawn out & tiresome.
In this YA fantasy, climate change is wreaking havoc on the environment, as well as witches’ control of the natural world. Forced to use their magic outside of its season, witches are dying of depletion, & their only hope for a future lies with Clara Densmore, an Everwitch whose magic is not tied to any season. Clara’s magic, however, comes at a steep price: it seeks out & kills those she holds most dear.
With its overarching theme of climate change, The Nature of Witches is a timely piece. It is also well-written & appropriately paced, with adequate time being given to develop the magic system & plot. There’s even some romance sprinkled in, & it boasts a fairly diverse cast of characters. My one complaint pertains to Clara; namely, her refusal to learn how to control her magic is a tad drawn out & tiresome.
Christmas Carol (Timeswept) by Flora Speer
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/vintage-romance-christmas-carol-by-flora-speer
Have you ever wondered what Dickens’ A Christmas Carol would be like if it was told from the perspective of a woman? If so, then have I got the book for you! Flora Speer’s Christmas Carol is a 1990s romance novel that tells the story of young, miserly Carol Simmons as she travels back & forth in time to visit Christmas Past, Present, & Future. Based on its cheery cover, I had assumed that it would be a fluff read, but it ended up having depth & feeling to it. It is not without its faults, but overall, it is an enjoyable holiday read that is filled with hope & warmth.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Starry Night by Debbie Macomber
This book is too much of a fluff read, even for me, a self-proclaimed fluff lover. I enjoy a sappy romance from time to time, but this is too saccharine & poorly structured. The pacing is way off, with little-to-no build-up to events, & the characters feel like walking stereotypes. The only positive aspects of this book are that it has a happy ending & it is a fairly quick read.
lighthearted
2.5
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-starry-night-by-debbie-macomber
This book is too much of a fluff read, even for me, a self-proclaimed fluff lover. I enjoy a sappy romance from time to time, but this is too saccharine & poorly structured. The pacing is way off, with little-to-no build-up to events, & the characters feel like walking stereotypes. The only positive aspects of this book are that it has a happy ending & it is a fairly quick read.
The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-the-beautiful-by-renee-ahdieh
Set in New Orleans in the 1870s, The Beautiful is a lush & atmospheric story that features vampires, mystery, & star-crossed lovers. It is a captivating book (I stayed up late into the night reading it), & although it is categorized as young adult, it can be enjoyed by us not-so-young adults too. The third installment in this series is due out in December, so now is the perfect time to pick up The Beautiful if you have not done so already.
The Witches' Blade by A.K. Mulford
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-the-witches-blade-by-ak-mulford
Note: I received an ARC from A.K. Mulford in exchange for an honest review.
The Witches’ Blade is everything I could have hoped for & then some in a sequel to The High Mountain Court. It features a fast-paced, enthralling plot filled with adventure, mystery, world expansion, & one of the best enemies-to-lovers romances that I have read to date. If you read & enjoyed The High Mountain Court, rest assured that you will love The Witches’ Blade just as much.
Note: I received an ARC from A.K. Mulford in exchange for an honest review.
The Witches’ Blade is everything I could have hoped for & then some in a sequel to The High Mountain Court. It features a fast-paced, enthralling plot filled with adventure, mystery, world expansion, & one of the best enemies-to-lovers romances that I have read to date. If you read & enjoyed The High Mountain Court, rest assured that you will love The Witches’ Blade just as much.
The High Mountain Court by A.K. Mulford
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
4.5
For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-the-high-mountain-court-by-ak-mulford
If you like A Court of Thorns & Roses & are looking for your next read, look no further. The High Mountain Court is a mesmerizing, unputdownable fantasy replete with romance, adventure, magic, & court intrigue. It even features one of my favorite tropes, the oh-no-there’s-only-one-bed conundrum.
If you like A Court of Thorns & Roses & are looking for your next read, look no further. The High Mountain Court is a mesmerizing, unputdownable fantasy replete with romance, adventure, magic, & court intrigue. It even features one of my favorite tropes, the oh-no-there’s-only-one-bed conundrum.