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dayofthetabi's reviews
411 reviews
The Ritual by Shantel Tessier
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver
dark
funny
relaxing
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
5.0
Another major hit from Brynne Weaver.
With the originality and pure addictive qualities Butcher and Blackbird posessed, it was hard to imagine how the author could sustain that magic, but she has absolutely done it.
The only major critique would be to clarify the time setting for the first part. It took way too long to realize it was before or during the events of B&B. A small "five years earlier" or "present day" something would have helped with timeline clarity.
However, the story itself *chef's kiss* another food ruined for me and I love it!
With the originality and pure addictive qualities Butcher and Blackbird posessed, it was hard to imagine how the author could sustain that magic, but she has absolutely done it.
The only major critique would be to clarify the time setting for the first part. It took way too long to realize it was before or during the events of B&B. A small "five years earlier" or "present day" something would have helped with timeline clarity.
However, the story itself *chef's kiss* another food ruined for me and I love it!
In Excess of Dark by Red Lagoe
dark
emotional
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is an interesting dive into grief, Dre press ion and mental health. As a novella it is a quick read. I do think the topics are handled well but really would have benefited from a full length novel. The imagery was perfectly morbid and grotesque. As a horror novel it didn’t work for me as it seemed to rely on that gross factor rather than unease and ambiance.
The pain and grief the main character goes through though was outstanding. I think this works better as a general fiction exploration with horror elements rather than a true horror novel but I still enjoyed the read. It is a 3 due to the reliance on body horror and decay as its primary fear factor. It just wasn’t scary but it was dark.
If you’re a fan of body horror and dealing with the aftermath of a lost loved one, this is worth a read.
The pain and grief the main character goes through though was outstanding. I think this works better as a general fiction exploration with horror elements rather than a true horror novel but I still enjoyed the read. It is a 3 due to the reliance on body horror and decay as its primary fear factor. It just wasn’t scary but it was dark.
If you’re a fan of body horror and dealing with the aftermath of a lost loved one, this is worth a read.
The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor by Kathryn Moon
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
Murder Road by Simone St. James
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
At First Spite by Olivia Dade
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
How to Marry a Lich by Lizzie Strong
dark
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
This was such a fun read. While the writing was a little iffy for me, the plot and characters were so worth overlooking personal preference. I will say, the setting is rather hard to grasp. It’s both modern and also not? Like you have manors, and lord commanders and gowns and balls, but also cell phones and cars and leggings? It was all over the place. And the pop culture references got a little old. One or two here and there was so cute. But it got too much.
All in all, this was such a fun read. It’s what I call popcorn books. I couldn’t put it down and I will absolutely be purchasing a copy when it’s released. It’s just that good a time.
The relationship was so much fun. I will say they fixed any arguments and issues like crazy fast, but really for a book this cozy I’m not too mad at it.
If you like gruesome and romance, this is for you. Also. Tentacles. You’re welcome.
I did receive an arc from the author but my opinions are wholly my own.
All in all, this was such a fun read. It’s what I call popcorn books. I couldn’t put it down and I will absolutely be purchasing a copy when it’s released. It’s just that good a time.
The relationship was so much fun. I will say they fixed any arguments and issues like crazy fast, but really for a book this cozy I’m not too mad at it.
If you like gruesome and romance, this is for you. Also. Tentacles. You’re welcome.
I did receive an arc from the author but my opinions are wholly my own.
Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I cannot overstate how much I loved this book. I was given the opportunity to read an arc from NetGalley and I will absolutely be buying this one for my personal collection.
It has fae. An enchanted library. The entire cast is people of color. You have high stakes and tense situations. It is beautiful. The only reason it isn’t a 5 is that some parts were distracting. A world of magic and horses with medieval style tech, but they know about adrenaline? Some of the dialogue was a little off, definitely a first novel.
But it was great and enjoyable. And I will read this one again and again.
It has fae. An enchanted library. The entire cast is people of color. You have high stakes and tense situations. It is beautiful. The only reason it isn’t a 5 is that some parts were distracting. A world of magic and horses with medieval style tech, but they know about adrenaline? Some of the dialogue was a little off, definitely a first novel.
But it was great and enjoyable. And I will read this one again and again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault