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coffeestainsandinkspots's reviews
36 reviews
The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
This was probably my favorite Mistborn book so far and it's definitely my favorite out of the Era 2 books. I loved seeing Wax and Steris's relationship develop. And it was satisfying to have Marasi come into her own as a character.
Welcome to Fae Cafe by Jennifer Kropf
emotional
funny
relaxing
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? N/A
4.25
Does this book have flaws? Absolutely. Did it have a choke hold on me anyway? Yes... yes it did.
I would not call this a cozy fantasy... maybe cozy adjacent. But there are too many high stakes moments to truly slot this in the "cozy" genre. It was a fun read for me though. The ending was satisfactory and I will happily pick up the sequel when it comes out.
I would not call this a cozy fantasy... maybe cozy adjacent. But there are too many high stakes moments to truly slot this in the "cozy" genre. It was a fun read for me though. The ending was satisfactory and I will happily pick up the sequel when it comes out.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Slavery, and Kidnapping
Minor: Sexual harassment
One of the minor characters makes an unwelcome move on the female main character. There's several fairy fights that get rather violent. Bronswick kidnaps Kate in an attempt to lure Cress to him. A good chunk of the plot focuses on enchantments and how Kate used an enslavement enchantment to force the fae assassins to work for her. There are discussions/feelings about how ethical that action was.
Promise by Loren G. Warnemuende
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Promise is a worthy conclusion to Daughter of Arden trilogy and to Maleen's story.
We really see Maleen grow into herself as she seeks to follow the will of the Mighty One and do what is right for her people. She wrestles with self-doubt, learns discernment, demonstrates her growth from the last few years, and (delightfully) falls in love. To me, this is the book where Maleen is the most relatable and I learned a lot from her in Promise.
In short, pick up the Daughter of Arden books. It's a wonderful take on an old fairy tale and you'll go on a beautiful journey with Maid Maleen.
We really see Maleen grow into herself as she seeks to follow the will of the Mighty One and do what is right for her people. She wrestles with self-doubt, learns discernment, demonstrates her growth from the last few years, and (delightfully) falls in love. To me, this is the book where Maleen is the most relatable and I learned a lot from her in Promise.
In short, pick up the Daughter of Arden books. It's a wonderful take on an old fairy tale and you'll go on a beautiful journey with Maid Maleen.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, War, Violence, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, and Grief
As I mentioned in my previous review of Wandering, this series takes place in a setting that has experienced war and any one who works in opposition of the conquering country risks consequences up to death. We at one point find out that Tranna, one of the minor characters, witnessed her parents torture and death. It is also heavily implied that she was raped. Maleen is also heavily pressured to enter into a marriage and when she refuses, the man verbally harasses her. Maleen's grandfather is a misogynist and makes several comments to her and others that are unkind towards women. The story makes it clear this is not moral behavior.
The Lives of Saints by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Torture, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Violence, and Death
Like stories of saints in the Christian faith, the people in these stories meet a variety of ends. Some of them graphic and violent.
A Thousand Mornings: Poems by Mary Oliver
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.5
Exile by Loren G. Warnemuende
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Exile is the first book in what is to be the Daughter of Arden Trilogy. The story follows Princess Marleen of Arden as faces a difficult choice and the consequences of her choice. The choice- to marry a man she does not love or to enter into a specially built tower- is put before her by her father as her nation is facing an approaching war. What follows is a tale of longing, heartbreak, and learning to trust the Mighty One.
This is a very typical first book for a trilogy. The main focus of the plot is to introduce the reader to Marleen, our protagonist, and the conflict that she will be facing. As such, a lot of this book is mostly character development. Exile is a YA novel under 300 pages, so readers should go into it not expecting a Sanderson level of development and worldbuilding. I expect that over the next two books we will see a lot more of Arden and its people. There is also a time span of three years covered in this novel, so be prepared to also go through time jumps.
That being said, I did largely enjoy this book. It has a certain fairy tale quality that makes it compelling. If you are looking for a low/no magic fantasy to read (or read with your children) I would happily direct you to Exile. I look forward to the next two books in the series.
This is a very typical first book for a trilogy. The main focus of the plot is to introduce the reader to Marleen, our protagonist, and the conflict that she will be facing. As such, a lot of this book is mostly character development. Exile is a YA novel under 300 pages, so readers should go into it not expecting a Sanderson level of development and worldbuilding. I expect that over the next two books we will see a lot more of Arden and its people. There is also a time span of three years covered in this novel, so be prepared to also go through time jumps.
That being said, I did largely enjoy this book. It has a certain fairy tale quality that makes it compelling. If you are looking for a low/no magic fantasy to read (or read with your children) I would happily direct you to Exile. I look forward to the next two books in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and War
There are depictions of the aftermath of war on the land of Arden.
After Maleen and Marietta escape from the tower they find that Ardenay has been destroyed. After wandering around for a bit they find that the village worship center has been burned and is filled with bones of people who burned alive with the building.
Wandering by Loren G. Warnemuende
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
5.0
Wow, Wandering surpassed my expectations as a sequel!
Due to massive life changes I took my time reading Wandering. But taking the journey with Maleen was well worth the wait. We see her struggle - both physically against the hardships on her journey and emotionally as she works to understand the best path forward in the face of the devastating conquering of Arden.
Maleen becomes a character that you sympathize with and root for during Wandering. And her companions along the way are also compelling and all work towards making the story richer. I can't write more lest I risk typing out spoilers, but if you read Exile definitely move on to the sequel!
Due to massive life changes I took my time reading Wandering. But taking the journey with Maleen was well worth the wait. We see her struggle - both physically against the hardships on her journey and emotionally as she works to understand the best path forward in the face of the devastating conquering of Arden.
Maleen becomes a character that you sympathize with and root for during Wandering. And her companions along the way are also compelling and all work towards making the story richer. I can't write more lest I risk typing out spoilers, but if you read Exile definitely move on to the sequel!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, Grief, Medical content, War, and Slavery
Minor: Sexual assault
There is one scene in the book where Maleen is rescued from sexual assault. This story actively takes place in a post war/ongoing war setting, so there is descriptions of the aftermath of battle and some descriptions of skirmishes that happen towards the end of the book. Maleen also is also grieving the apparent loss of her father and several other characters discuss losses they have had from illness. Maleen also goes through a rather traumatic illness. Maleen is also briefly in the captivity of slavers, though she is rescued on the way.
Courage, Dear Heart: Letters to a Weary World by Rebecca K. Reynolds
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
The Thrill of Orthodoxy: Rediscovering the Adventure of Christian Faith by Trevin Wax
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.75
I'm taking this rating down to 4.75 stars because I felt the author was a little repetitive in certain parts. Otherwise, I would highly recommend this book whether you are deconstructing or if you are just a member of the Church interested in picking up an informative, easy to understand theology read.