Scan barcode
booktasticrobin's reviews
77 reviews
The Orc and Her Bride by Lila Gwynn
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
In reading 'The Orc and Her Bride' by Lila Gwynn, one can appreciate when an author makes a promise and follows through. The author warned readers of a dislikable main character, and they certainly delivered on that front.
Elketh, the elf princess, is easily one of the most exasperating, irritating, and nearly unbearable main characters one could encounter. It's quite amusing that an elf in her seventies (yes, 7-0) behaves like a petulant child – my five-year-old niece has more maturity than this princess. Oddly enough, there's something endearing about her.
Ruga, the orc, possesses a heart of gold, and no matter how much Elketh tests her patience, she refuses to take the bait, which results in some entertaining interactions.
However, the issue arises in the character development department. When a main character is designed to be annoying, one would expect a gradual realization and subsequent change in their behavior. While Elketh does come to this realization about a third of the way through the story, she persists in her self-destructive and abrasive manner. It isn't until the very end that she makes a genuine attempt to change her ways, but by then, it feels like the momentum for growth has expired.
At its core, this story is a romance novel, but unfortunately, it leaves much to be desired in that aspect. The progression of Elketh and Ruga's blossoming relationship feels rushed, and Elketh's motivations seem inconsistent at times. The emotional connection between the characters lacks depth, and their journey toward love appears more like a series of disjointed events rather than a natural, evolving relationship. The inconsistent pacing and underdeveloped emotional bonds make it difficult for readers to become fully invested in the love story.
In conclusion, 'The Orc and Her Bride' offers a unique premise and some engaging character interactions, but falls short in delivering a compelling and satisfying romance. The character development and relationship dynamics could have benefited from more depth and consistency, ultimately leaving the reader with a sense of unfulfilled potential.
Elketh, the elf princess, is easily one of the most exasperating, irritating, and nearly unbearable main characters one could encounter. It's quite amusing that an elf in her seventies (yes, 7-0) behaves like a petulant child – my five-year-old niece has more maturity than this princess. Oddly enough, there's something endearing about her.
Ruga, the orc, possesses a heart of gold, and no matter how much Elketh tests her patience, she refuses to take the bait, which results in some entertaining interactions.
However, the issue arises in the character development department. When a main character is designed to be annoying, one would expect a gradual realization and subsequent change in their behavior. While Elketh does come to this realization about a third of the way through the story, she persists in her self-destructive and abrasive manner. It isn't until the very end that she makes a genuine attempt to change her ways, but by then, it feels like the momentum for growth has expired.
At its core, this story is a romance novel, but unfortunately, it leaves much to be desired in that aspect. The progression of Elketh and Ruga's blossoming relationship feels rushed, and Elketh's motivations seem inconsistent at times. The emotional connection between the characters lacks depth, and their journey toward love appears more like a series of disjointed events rather than a natural, evolving relationship. The inconsistent pacing and underdeveloped emotional bonds make it difficult for readers to become fully invested in the love story.
In conclusion, 'The Orc and Her Bride' offers a unique premise and some engaging character interactions, but falls short in delivering a compelling and satisfying romance. The character development and relationship dynamics could have benefited from more depth and consistency, ultimately leaving the reader with a sense of unfulfilled potential.
Forget Me Not by Isabel Hansen
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
It's painfully clear that someone skipped the memo on the golden rule of storytelling: "Show, don't tell." Honestly, it's as if the author made a point of telling us about Aurora's feelings for Lyla on repeat, without ever bothering to give us the emotional depth to understand why we should even care.
The novella kicks off with a bang, roping us in with promises of intrigue, only to fizzle out like a dud firecracker. Before we know it, Aurora is trapped in a never-ending loop of pining for Lyla that drags on and on, leaving us wondering if there's anything more to the story. Spoiler alert: there isn't.
Instead of taking us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with twists and turns that leave us breathless, we're stuck on a merry-go-round of Aurora's superficial feelings. The lack of depth and nuance in the storytelling is about as satisfying as ordering a five-star meal and being served a stale sandwich.
In conclusion, 'Forget Me Not' by Isabel Hansen is a prime example of why the "Show, don't tell" mantra exists in the first place. Unfortunately, the novella misses the mark by a mile, with an excessive focus on Aurora's pining and a glaring absence of emotional context. If you're looking for a captivating story, you might want to forget this one and keep searching.
The novella kicks off with a bang, roping us in with promises of intrigue, only to fizzle out like a dud firecracker. Before we know it, Aurora is trapped in a never-ending loop of pining for Lyla that drags on and on, leaving us wondering if there's anything more to the story. Spoiler alert: there isn't.
Instead of taking us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with twists and turns that leave us breathless, we're stuck on a merry-go-round of Aurora's superficial feelings. The lack of depth and nuance in the storytelling is about as satisfying as ordering a five-star meal and being served a stale sandwich.
In conclusion, 'Forget Me Not' by Isabel Hansen is a prime example of why the "Show, don't tell" mantra exists in the first place. Unfortunately, the novella misses the mark by a mile, with an excessive focus on Aurora's pining and a glaring absence of emotional context. If you're looking for a captivating story, you might want to forget this one and keep searching.
Love in the Time of Zombies by Cassandra Gannon
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
5.0
Upon reading 'Love in the Time of Zombies' by Cassandra Gannon, I must confess that I have never encountered a book that made me think, "I need to pick up another work by this author faster than a zombie chasing a human!" until now. To say I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer delight I experienced while reading this novel would be an understatement – it's like finding a hidden stash of chocolate during a zombie apocalypse!
Who could have ever imagined that a story set amidst a zombie apocalypse could be so utterly charming and heartwarming?
In my opinion, this book is nothing short of a comedic triumph. It has been quite some time since a novel has had me laughing so hard that even zombies would pause to wonder what's so funny. While the humor may not be everyone's cup of tea, I found it to be a perfect match for my personal taste – like a zombie finding the perfect brain to munch on.
From the playful clichés and amusing puns to the witty remarks peppered throughout, each comedic moment is expertly timed and executed, making for a delightful experience that had me exercising my laughter muscles.
Remarkably, there wasn't a single character in the book that I found dislikable. Brewer, in particular, has earned a special place in my heart as my spirit animal.
The dialogue is sharp, the storytelling is nothing short of exceptional, and the romance is tender and sweet – like finding a bouquet of roses amidst the undead. If you're in search of a book that will simultaneously warm your heart and elicit peals of laughter, look no further – this one is a no-brainer (zombies need not apply).
And as the cherry on top of this delicious literary sundae, rejoice, for there are no dreaded third-act breakups! It's like finding a safe haven in a world of zombies – pure bliss!
Before we part ways, a quick disclaimer (with a wink and a nudge): I apologize for the abundance of zombie puns in this review – they seemed to rise from their graves and shamble right into the text! But, let's be honest, who doesn't love a good zombie pun now and then? So, sorry-not-so-sorry, and I hope they brought an undead smile to your face. Happy reading!
Who could have ever imagined that a story set amidst a zombie apocalypse could be so utterly charming and heartwarming?
In my opinion, this book is nothing short of a comedic triumph. It has been quite some time since a novel has had me laughing so hard that even zombies would pause to wonder what's so funny. While the humor may not be everyone's cup of tea, I found it to be a perfect match for my personal taste – like a zombie finding the perfect brain to munch on.
From the playful clichés and amusing puns to the witty remarks peppered throughout, each comedic moment is expertly timed and executed, making for a delightful experience that had me exercising my laughter muscles.
Remarkably, there wasn't a single character in the book that I found dislikable. Brewer, in particular, has earned a special place in my heart as my spirit animal.
The dialogue is sharp, the storytelling is nothing short of exceptional, and the romance is tender and sweet – like finding a bouquet of roses amidst the undead. If you're in search of a book that will simultaneously warm your heart and elicit peals of laughter, look no further – this one is a no-brainer (zombies need not apply).
And as the cherry on top of this delicious literary sundae, rejoice, for there are no dreaded third-act breakups! It's like finding a safe haven in a world of zombies – pure bliss!
Before we part ways, a quick disclaimer (with a wink and a nudge): I apologize for the abundance of zombie puns in this review – they seemed to rise from their graves and shamble right into the text! But, let's be honest, who doesn't love a good zombie pun now and then? So, sorry-not-so-sorry, and I hope they brought an undead smile to your face. Happy reading!
Guarding Evelyn by Erin Zak
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
Baking Spirits Bright by Bryce Oakley
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
emotional
lighthearted
tense
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
5.0