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booksandladders's reviews
2126 reviews
Legendary by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.0
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.
Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood is a feminist, LGBTQ+ fantasy set on the island of Zakynthos, where love, known as Desire, is bottled and sold to the highest bidder by Leandros, a descendant of Eros. When Leandros' wife dies mysteriously, he sets his sights on Phoebe, the twin sister of the story's fierce protagonist, Eirene. Eirene will do anything to protect her sister, striking a deal with Leandros to complete four dangerous tasks in exchange for him choosing another bride. This sets the stage for a story of sisterhood, power, and identity, all intertwined with mythology and a subtle exploration of romance.
While the premise was intriguing, I’ve found myself consistently let down by Greek mythology or Greek mythology-adjacent books, and Gentlest of Wild Things followed that trend. That said, there were elements I enjoyed. The relationship between Eirene and her sister was believable and beautifully done. The bond they shared felt authentic and was the emotional core of the story. Eirene, as a character, was a highlight for me. She was tenacious and driven, always willing to do whatever it took to protect her family. I loved seeing her take charge and push the boundaries of what was expected of her, which made her a compelling heroine.
On the other hand, Lamia, Leandros' neglected daughter, felt underdeveloped. For much of the story, she was portrayed as timid and shy, but her sudden transformation into a more assertive character felt forced. The shift happened too quickly given the story’s condensed timeline, and it didn’t feel entirely earned. I would have liked to see more gradual growth from her, particularly since her character had such potential to be an interesting counterpart to Eirene.
The sapphic romance between Eirene and Lamia was sweet but rushed. It didn’t feel as though it had enough space to breathe within the narrative. I appreciated the representation, but it would have been more impactful had the relationship been given more time to develop organically, perhaps ending with more of a "budding" connection instead of rushing into a full romance. It felt a bit out of place in the grander scheme of the story.
Despite these critiques, Gentlest of Wild Things still has its appeal. Fans of mythology, fantasy, and LGBTQ+ romance will find aspects of the book engaging, particularly if they enjoy stories with strong sibling relationships and feminist undertones. While it wasn’t perfect for me, I think others might appreciate its unique blend of mythology and fantasy, even if it didn’t fully live up to its potential.
Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood is a feminist, LGBTQ+ fantasy set on the island of Zakynthos, where love, known as Desire, is bottled and sold to the highest bidder by Leandros, a descendant of Eros. When Leandros' wife dies mysteriously, he sets his sights on Phoebe, the twin sister of the story's fierce protagonist, Eirene. Eirene will do anything to protect her sister, striking a deal with Leandros to complete four dangerous tasks in exchange for him choosing another bride. This sets the stage for a story of sisterhood, power, and identity, all intertwined with mythology and a subtle exploration of romance.
While the premise was intriguing, I’ve found myself consistently let down by Greek mythology or Greek mythology-adjacent books, and Gentlest of Wild Things followed that trend. That said, there were elements I enjoyed. The relationship between Eirene and her sister was believable and beautifully done. The bond they shared felt authentic and was the emotional core of the story. Eirene, as a character, was a highlight for me. She was tenacious and driven, always willing to do whatever it took to protect her family. I loved seeing her take charge and push the boundaries of what was expected of her, which made her a compelling heroine.
On the other hand, Lamia, Leandros' neglected daughter, felt underdeveloped. For much of the story, she was portrayed as timid and shy, but her sudden transformation into a more assertive character felt forced. The shift happened too quickly given the story’s condensed timeline, and it didn’t feel entirely earned. I would have liked to see more gradual growth from her, particularly since her character had such potential to be an interesting counterpart to Eirene.
The sapphic romance between Eirene and Lamia was sweet but rushed. It didn’t feel as though it had enough space to breathe within the narrative. I appreciated the representation, but it would have been more impactful had the relationship been given more time to develop organically, perhaps ending with more of a "budding" connection instead of rushing into a full romance. It felt a bit out of place in the grander scheme of the story.
Despite these critiques, Gentlest of Wild Things still has its appeal. Fans of mythology, fantasy, and LGBTQ+ romance will find aspects of the book engaging, particularly if they enjoy stories with strong sibling relationships and feminist undertones. While it wasn’t perfect for me, I think others might appreciate its unique blend of mythology and fantasy, even if it didn’t fully live up to its potential.
The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.
After thoroughly enjoying House of Salt and Sorrows, I eagerly dove into The Thirteenth Child, expecting another dark, immersive tale. Unfortunately, while it began with promise, I ultimately felt let down by the overall execution.
The book draws on the Grimm Brothers' "Godfather Death" and follows Hazel Trépas, a healer promised from birth to Merrick, the embodiment of Death. The concept is fascinating, and the dynamic between Hazel and Merrick is one of the highlights. Their relationship—complicated, poignant, and full of tension—stood out as the strongest part of the novel for me. Merrick's dual role as both protector and harbinger of Hazel's fate added emotional depth, and their interactions were some of the few moments that truly captivated me.
However, beyond that, the story faltered. The plot felt meandering, and despite its high-stakes premise—Hazel navigating a perilous court while making impossible choices—the pacing and character development left much to be desired. While Hazel’s internal struggle with her gift (or curse) was compelling at times, it lacked the emotional impact I had hoped for. Her choices felt almost “too easy,” especially toward the end. She wasn’t a young child anymore, and it was frustrating to see her make decisions that she knew would have dire consequences without much reflection. It just didn’t make sense to me.
The romance with Leo felt underdeveloped, and the court intrigue failed to deliver on its potential. For a story promising a sweeping fantasy saga, it missed the mark, as themes of morality, destiny, and identity didn’t resonate with the complexity I expected. It felt like the story was torn between being a dark fairy tale retelling and an epic fantasy but didn’t quite succeed at either.
That said, fans of atmospheric fantasy and fairy tale retellings might still find enjoyment in The Thirteenth Child, especially if they’re drawn to stories about fate and the choices we make. However, for me, it was a disappointment compared to Craig’s previous work.
After thoroughly enjoying House of Salt and Sorrows, I eagerly dove into The Thirteenth Child, expecting another dark, immersive tale. Unfortunately, while it began with promise, I ultimately felt let down by the overall execution.
The book draws on the Grimm Brothers' "Godfather Death" and follows Hazel Trépas, a healer promised from birth to Merrick, the embodiment of Death. The concept is fascinating, and the dynamic between Hazel and Merrick is one of the highlights. Their relationship—complicated, poignant, and full of tension—stood out as the strongest part of the novel for me. Merrick's dual role as both protector and harbinger of Hazel's fate added emotional depth, and their interactions were some of the few moments that truly captivated me.
However, beyond that, the story faltered. The plot felt meandering, and despite its high-stakes premise—Hazel navigating a perilous court while making impossible choices—the pacing and character development left much to be desired. While Hazel’s internal struggle with her gift (or curse) was compelling at times, it lacked the emotional impact I had hoped for. Her choices felt almost “too easy,” especially toward the end. She wasn’t a young child anymore, and it was frustrating to see her make decisions that she knew would have dire consequences without much reflection. It just didn’t make sense to me.
The romance with Leo felt underdeveloped, and the court intrigue failed to deliver on its potential. For a story promising a sweeping fantasy saga, it missed the mark, as themes of morality, destiny, and identity didn’t resonate with the complexity I expected. It felt like the story was torn between being a dark fairy tale retelling and an epic fantasy but didn’t quite succeed at either.
That said, fans of atmospheric fantasy and fairy tale retellings might still find enjoyment in The Thirteenth Child, especially if they’re drawn to stories about fate and the choices we make. However, for me, it was a disappointment compared to Craig’s previous work.
Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.
In Bull Moon Rising, Ruby Dixon blends romance, adventure, and magic in a steamy romantasy. The story follows Aspeth Honori, the daughter of a Holder who finds herself in a bind after her father gambles away all their magical artifacts. Determined to save her family, she devises a plan to join the Royal Artifactual Guild to retrieve arcane items from ancient ruins. However, the guild won't allow her to train because she’s a woman. To overcome this, Aspeth marries a gruff minotaur guild member who has his own set of problems, creating an arrangement that quickly becomes more complicated than either expected.
While the concept of a high-stakes magical adventure is intriguing, the execution sometimes falls short. As with many romantasy novels, Bull Moon Rising places heavy emphasis on the romance between Aspeth and her monstrous yet alluring partner. While the romance is well-written, steamy, and fun, it sometimes overshadows the broader plot. I would have liked to see more focus on the world-building and the magical artifacts that drive the story.
One of the book's strengths is its exploration of sexism. Aspeth's struggle to navigate a male-dominated guild and her use of her wit to bypass societal restrictions add depth to the story. It was refreshing to see these elements woven into the fantasy world, even if the plot could have done more with them.
On the downside, the "twist" near the end of the book felt out of place and didn’t fit smoothly with the rest of the narrative. It seemed like an attempt to raise the stakes but felt somewhat disconnected from the story's core themes.
Despite these flaws, the monster romance element delivers, and Dixon does a great job of making her minotaur hero both intimidating and endearing. The chemistry between Aspeth and her surly partner shines, and the intimate scenes are crafted with care.
Overall, Bull Moon Rising is an enjoyable read for fans of fantasy romance who don’t mind a story that prioritizes the romantic arc over intricate world-building. I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel, as there are plenty of elements in the world and characters that could be expanded upon in future installments.
In Bull Moon Rising, Ruby Dixon blends romance, adventure, and magic in a steamy romantasy. The story follows Aspeth Honori, the daughter of a Holder who finds herself in a bind after her father gambles away all their magical artifacts. Determined to save her family, she devises a plan to join the Royal Artifactual Guild to retrieve arcane items from ancient ruins. However, the guild won't allow her to train because she’s a woman. To overcome this, Aspeth marries a gruff minotaur guild member who has his own set of problems, creating an arrangement that quickly becomes more complicated than either expected.
While the concept of a high-stakes magical adventure is intriguing, the execution sometimes falls short. As with many romantasy novels, Bull Moon Rising places heavy emphasis on the romance between Aspeth and her monstrous yet alluring partner. While the romance is well-written, steamy, and fun, it sometimes overshadows the broader plot. I would have liked to see more focus on the world-building and the magical artifacts that drive the story.
One of the book's strengths is its exploration of sexism. Aspeth's struggle to navigate a male-dominated guild and her use of her wit to bypass societal restrictions add depth to the story. It was refreshing to see these elements woven into the fantasy world, even if the plot could have done more with them.
On the downside, the "twist" near the end of the book felt out of place and didn’t fit smoothly with the rest of the narrative. It seemed like an attempt to raise the stakes but felt somewhat disconnected from the story's core themes.
Despite these flaws, the monster romance element delivers, and Dixon does a great job of making her minotaur hero both intimidating and endearing. The chemistry between Aspeth and her surly partner shines, and the intimate scenes are crafted with care.
Overall, Bull Moon Rising is an enjoyable read for fans of fantasy romance who don’t mind a story that prioritizes the romantic arc over intricate world-building. I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel, as there are plenty of elements in the world and characters that could be expanded upon in future installments.
The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
A Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.
Maxie Dara offers a refreshing take on the cozy mystery genre with A Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer. The story introduces Kathy Valence, a forty-two-year-old grim reaper employed by S.C.Y.T.H.E., a supernatural organization that collects souls. Juggling the turmoil of a mid-divorce pregnancy and a career handling the dead, Kathy is thrown into chaos when one of her client's souls goes missing—and the missing soul insists he was murdered.
I really enjoyed the way Dara blends the supernatural with real-world problems. The magical elements of the story are ever-present but don’t overshadow Kathy’s personal journey, which is centered around her struggles with self-worth, impending motherhood, and the aftermath of her marriage falling apart. It felt like a very grounded story, despite the more fantastical aspects of grim reapers, missing souls, and paranormal mysteries. Kathy’s struggle to find balance between her work and personal life was particularly relatable, making her an easy character to root for.
Surprisingly, I found myself invested in the second chance romance between Kathy and her estranged husband. Usually, I don’t care much for this trope, but Dara manages to write it in a way that feels natural and authentic. Kathy’s conflicting feelings about her relationship added an extra layer to the story, and it was heartening to watch her navigate the complexities of love and forgiveness. Their dynamic felt raw and real, which is something I rarely expect in a mystery about grim reapers!
Another highlight for me was the found family theme. As Kathy relies on her retired mentor, her almost-ex-husband, and even the stubborn spirit of the murdered Conner to solve the mystery, there’s a real sense of community that builds over the course of the story. Each character brings something valuable to the table, and their relationships grow in a way that felt heartfelt and genuine.
That said, the mystery and procedural elements of the story left something to be desired. For a book that seems to want to establish itself as the start of a detective series, I felt the investigation itself could have been more fleshed out. While the concept of a grim reaper solving a murder within her own ranks is fascinating, the actual detective work felt a bit thin. It wasn’t as intricate or compelling as I had hoped, which dampened the impact of the overall mystery. I wanted more twists, more suspense, and a stronger connection between the supernatural elements and the investigation.
The cliffhanger ending was another point where the book fell short for me. While I understand that it’s setting up for future installments, I would have preferred a more contained resolution. It felt a bit too open-ended, leaving a lot of plot threads dangling, which made it difficult for this book to stand on its own. I think a stronger conclusion would have made for a more satisfying read, even if it is part of a series.
Overall, A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer is an enjoyable read with strong character development, a relatable protagonist, and an interesting supernatural world. While the mystery itself could have been stronger, there’s plenty of potential here for future books to build on. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, or stories that mix life’s real struggles with magical elements, this is a series to keep an eye on.
Maxie Dara offers a refreshing take on the cozy mystery genre with A Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer. The story introduces Kathy Valence, a forty-two-year-old grim reaper employed by S.C.Y.T.H.E., a supernatural organization that collects souls. Juggling the turmoil of a mid-divorce pregnancy and a career handling the dead, Kathy is thrown into chaos when one of her client's souls goes missing—and the missing soul insists he was murdered.
I really enjoyed the way Dara blends the supernatural with real-world problems. The magical elements of the story are ever-present but don’t overshadow Kathy’s personal journey, which is centered around her struggles with self-worth, impending motherhood, and the aftermath of her marriage falling apart. It felt like a very grounded story, despite the more fantastical aspects of grim reapers, missing souls, and paranormal mysteries. Kathy’s struggle to find balance between her work and personal life was particularly relatable, making her an easy character to root for.
Surprisingly, I found myself invested in the second chance romance between Kathy and her estranged husband. Usually, I don’t care much for this trope, but Dara manages to write it in a way that feels natural and authentic. Kathy’s conflicting feelings about her relationship added an extra layer to the story, and it was heartening to watch her navigate the complexities of love and forgiveness. Their dynamic felt raw and real, which is something I rarely expect in a mystery about grim reapers!
Another highlight for me was the found family theme. As Kathy relies on her retired mentor, her almost-ex-husband, and even the stubborn spirit of the murdered Conner to solve the mystery, there’s a real sense of community that builds over the course of the story. Each character brings something valuable to the table, and their relationships grow in a way that felt heartfelt and genuine.
That said, the mystery and procedural elements of the story left something to be desired. For a book that seems to want to establish itself as the start of a detective series, I felt the investigation itself could have been more fleshed out. While the concept of a grim reaper solving a murder within her own ranks is fascinating, the actual detective work felt a bit thin. It wasn’t as intricate or compelling as I had hoped, which dampened the impact of the overall mystery. I wanted more twists, more suspense, and a stronger connection between the supernatural elements and the investigation.
The cliffhanger ending was another point where the book fell short for me. While I understand that it’s setting up for future installments, I would have preferred a more contained resolution. It felt a bit too open-ended, leaving a lot of plot threads dangling, which made it difficult for this book to stand on its own. I think a stronger conclusion would have made for a more satisfying read, even if it is part of a series.
Overall, A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer is an enjoyable read with strong character development, a relatable protagonist, and an interesting supernatural world. While the mystery itself could have been stronger, there’s plenty of potential here for future books to build on. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, or stories that mix life’s real struggles with magical elements, this is a series to keep an eye on.