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el393way's reviews
224 reviews
Ebony Gate by Ken Bebelle, Julia Vee
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
3.0
This book was recommended via one of Tor.com next read quizzes and then became available for advanced copy review. Seemed like a perfect fit. The concept for this book is fun and interesting and unique. I’m always excited when East Asian history inspired fantasy and scifi.
This book has a lot going for it to draw you in and keep you on your toes. It is also well narrated as to be expected with Natalie Naudus. As a whole, the book did not drive me to want to continue reading.
Each time I paused, I had to make myself start again. Despite the magnificent parts of the book I think this happened for a few reasons. There is a lot of exposition in this book and it interrupts plot movement often. There is also not a ton of meaningful character interactions. Emiko interacts with a TON of other characters but it’s quick and she moves on to other interactions. There’s a lot of history with many different characters but we only get little snippets. It just feels like she’s bouncing around. Part of her persona is being detached from the world she knew and not being settled where she’s at but it makes it hard to connect to her as a reader.
Still highly recommend the book and can see it being well liked by a lot of people. It was worth the read.
This book has a lot going for it to draw you in and keep you on your toes. It is also well narrated as to be expected with Natalie Naudus. As a whole, the book did not drive me to want to continue reading.
Each time I paused, I had to make myself start again. Despite the magnificent parts of the book I think this happened for a few reasons. There is a lot of exposition in this book and it interrupts plot movement often. There is also not a ton of meaningful character interactions. Emiko interacts with a TON of other characters but it’s quick and she moves on to other interactions. There’s a lot of history with many different characters but we only get little snippets. It just feels like she’s bouncing around. Part of her persona is being detached from the world she knew and not being settled where she’s at but it makes it hard to connect to her as a reader.
Still highly recommend the book and can see it being well liked by a lot of people. It was worth the read.
The Witch & The City by Jake Burnett
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
For me personally, I’d stick this book at a 3.5 but I’ll round up to 4 because anything I didn’t love about the book was minor or just a “not for me” thing. This book was an interesting and fun read. I can totally see why it’s compared to Piranesi in marketing. The prose are a bit different but it did give off similar vibes. If you liked Piranesi, there is a good chance you’d like this one.
I enjoyed reading because of the character more as the book went on. But the prose are definitely the strongest aspect of the book. At times I struggled with it a little. I felt a little disconnected from what was happening because of the writing style. I don’t really dock the quality of the book though because it was still very well written.
The length of this book is also absolutely perfect. I think that’s something people often overlook when considering how much hey enjoy a book. Had this book been longer it would have lost interest but had it been shorter, there would have been too much missing.
I enjoyed reading because of the character more as the book went on. But the prose are definitely the strongest aspect of the book. At times I struggled with it a little. I felt a little disconnected from what was happening because of the writing style. I don’t really dock the quality of the book though because it was still very well written.
The length of this book is also absolutely perfect. I think that’s something people often overlook when considering how much hey enjoy a book. Had this book been longer it would have lost interest but had it been shorter, there would have been too much missing.
Death, the Gardener by Daniel T. Dodaro
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
Ever since reading The Book Thief as a young adult, I have thoroughly enjoyed searching for books that are told with Death as a character or influence on the story being told. Rarely does one actually end up being one I enjoy. This book was!
I really have no explanation for why this comparison comes to mind but it does. This book, to me, feels like a slightly more somber and bittersweet Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen. Very different plots but I had similar feelings reading this book. It’s not too serious even though it involves death and dying. It’s touching and sad in just the right amount of ways.
I received a digital copy of this title for review.
I really have no explanation for why this comparison comes to mind but it does. This book, to me, feels like a slightly more somber and bittersweet Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen. Very different plots but I had similar feelings reading this book. It’s not too serious even though it involves death and dying. It’s touching and sad in just the right amount of ways.
I received a digital copy of this title for review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Grief
Sorry, Bro by Taleen Voskuni
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
Oh lordy what selfish MC. That’s the main takeaway from this book.
The focus on Armenian culture and history was the best part of the book. Really set up and great potential story. The job drama was engaging, but would have been better if the character wasn’t as frustrating. Just was not rooting for her at all.
The characters and their decisions were frustrating and unlikable. The MC was so selfish and make horrendous decisions constantly. The love interest was better but still came off a bit bland. She may have been more likable if we had a dual POV to see her not just from the MC’s eyes.
The MC is bi and as a bi person, it was frustrating that the decisions this character made handling new relationship with breaking off long term boyfriend fed the stereotype that bisexuals are more likely to cheat. It felt icky the whole time. And as someone closeted with family members, I understand her compulsion to keep it hidden but she was willing to make unforgivable decisions that made someone else look predatory!
She also has a lot of internal dialogue that is exactly what she should say in situations that make her look bad or when she should be being up front but then she says dumb stuff that makes things worse. So if you dislike when there’s a simple explanation a character could give to fix something… this is frustrating because the MC knows what she should say and never does.
We also just see her pining after the first semi interesting girl she finds. There really wasn’t a lot of compelling chemistry. Again, we only saw the MC’s POV so it was pretty one-sided.
The focus on Armenian culture and history was the best part of the book. Really set up and great potential story. The job drama was engaging, but would have been better if the character wasn’t as frustrating. Just was not rooting for her at all.
The characters and their decisions were frustrating and unlikable. The MC was so selfish and make horrendous decisions constantly. The love interest was better but still came off a bit bland. She may have been more likable if we had a dual POV to see her not just from the MC’s eyes.
The MC is bi and as a bi person, it was frustrating that the decisions this character made handling new relationship with breaking off long term boyfriend fed the stereotype that bisexuals are more likely to cheat. It felt icky the whole time. And as someone closeted with family members, I understand her compulsion to keep it hidden but she was willing to make unforgivable decisions that made someone else look predatory!
She also has a lot of internal dialogue that is exactly what she should say in situations that make her look bad or when she should be being up front but then she says dumb stuff that makes things worse. So if you dislike when there’s a simple explanation a character could give to fix something… this is frustrating because the MC knows what she should say and never does.
We also just see her pining after the first semi interesting girl she finds. There really wasn’t a lot of compelling chemistry. Again, we only saw the MC’s POV so it was pretty one-sided.
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
All I have to say is wow to such an interesting world this book built. How gods exist in this world is very enticing and lush. The variety of characters and POVs were great. I didn’t always know who to pull for or trust. And the author did a fantastic job of creating separate POVs that felt distinct whether the characters were interacting or not.
And without giving any spoilers, the ending was satisfying. Maybe it felt a tad rushed but enough loose ends were tied up with enough leaving openings for future books in the series. I despise when a book introducing a series ends on too much of a cliffhanger to feel like a complete book. This did a great job of leaving plenty open but wrapping up just enough.
And without giving any spoilers, the ending was satisfying. Maybe it felt a tad rushed but enough loose ends were tied up with enough leaving openings for future books in the series. I despise when a book introducing a series ends on too much of a cliffhanger to feel like a complete book. This did a great job of leaving plenty open but wrapping up just enough.
Dark Water Daughter by H.M. Long
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25
The combination of such a fun and unique world, the pirate plot, and believable character arcs made this such an enjoyable and engaging read/listen.
The pace of this book is relatively fast which fits a pirate motif. It keeps you going and does not have many, if any, drags. The handling of the dual POV is well-done. There is a pretty even split, both narrators do an excellent job, and you can feel identify the separate voices of the two characters.
What more can I say than who would love a pirate high seas adventure set in a really interesting world with storm singers, an other world, future-seers, magically charismatic villains, and ghost-like beings? And uniquely set in a wintery sea setting instead of the traditional tropics or Caribbean.
The pace of this book is relatively fast which fits a pirate motif. It keeps you going and does not have many, if any, drags. The handling of the dual POV is well-done. There is a pretty even split, both narrators do an excellent job, and you can feel identify the separate voices of the two characters.
What more can I say than who would love a pirate high seas adventure set in a really interesting world with storm singers, an other world, future-seers, magically charismatic villains, and ghost-like beings? And uniquely set in a wintery sea setting instead of the traditional tropics or Caribbean.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping, Slavery, Murder, and Death
Minor: Sexual assault
Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
This genre of Mexican-inspired gothic horror is quickly becoming an unsung hero, a favorite. It’s not often that, as someone raised in south Texas, you get to read books set in your area. The familiar names. The familiar language. The familiar history. So right off the bat, the book is fantastic for that alone. I may be a bit biased but I don’t care.
The take on vampires in this telling is so unique. It pulls of old folktales and fireside stories from grandmas and vaqueros. It was a vampire story but also not a vampire story and I loved it for that.
Nena and Néstor’s story was touching and beautiful and made me happy even though the book was dark at times.
Review given on advanced copy from NetGalley.
The take on vampires in this telling is so unique. It pulls of old folktales and fireside stories from grandmas and vaqueros. It was a vampire story but also not a vampire story and I loved it for that.
Nena and Néstor’s story was touching and beautiful and made me happy even though the book was dark at times.
Review given on advanced copy from NetGalley.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexism and War
The Ninth Rain by Jen Williams
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
Wow. How is this book series not more popular?? Very unique world building, unique creatures. Vampires, witches, humans, worm people??, spacecraft-like things, and more. Sometimes the books that surprise you because you have no expectations or info going into it are the best.
Pretty even paced except with a few flash points. Variety of characters and POVs without being too much. Creepy and weird creatures. Exposition is a mix of discovering and info dump but in the form of chapter intros. Thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
And for those of us who hate huge cliff hangers… this books is a great first installment because it has cliffhangers to tie into the series but still has satisfying wrap up of enough plot points that it’s not annoying.
Pretty even paced except with a few flash points. Variety of characters and POVs without being too much. Creepy and weird creatures. Exposition is a mix of discovering and info dump but in the form of chapter intros. Thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
And for those of us who hate huge cliff hangers… this books is a great first installment because it has cliffhangers to tie into the series but still has satisfying wrap up of enough plot points that it’s not annoying.
A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
This book is classified as an lgbt fantasy set in a world reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire. It delivers on the lgbt front, but the fantasy elements are so incredibly light that it’s more adjacent to magical realism set in a historically inspired world.
Despite some disappointment in pacing and fantasy elements, the book was enjoyable and I really loved the characters. It was a romance set within a mix of politics and small adventures.
The romance is why I enjoyed it so much. I always read romantasy books expecting to be disappointed but this book didn’t do all the things I hate about romance tropes and character dynamics. There was no toxic imbalance of power. No secrets or miscommunications. No weird immortality with hints at weird grooming of the mortals. No brooding and moodiness to the point of abuse. The tropes that were present were fun and lighthearted. The characters got to actually bond which led to lust instead of immediately being at each other. Probably one of the most authentic, heartwarming adversaries to lovers I’ve ever read.
The fantasy and other elements were not why I stayed. The rest was fine, but considering how many pages long this book is, there was a lot of talking and thinking compared to actual doing. And the action that did happen was extremely middle of the road in terms of intensity.
The writing was good and the audiobook narrator was really good as well.
Despite some disappointment in pacing and fantasy elements, the book was enjoyable and I really loved the characters. It was a romance set within a mix of politics and small adventures.
The romance is why I enjoyed it so much. I always read romantasy books expecting to be disappointed but this book didn’t do all the things I hate about romance tropes and character dynamics. There was no toxic imbalance of power. No secrets or miscommunications. No weird immortality with hints at weird grooming of the mortals. No brooding and moodiness to the point of abuse. The tropes that were present were fun and lighthearted. The characters got to actually bond which led to lust instead of immediately being at each other. Probably one of the most authentic, heartwarming adversaries to lovers I’ve ever read.
The fantasy and other elements were not why I stayed. The rest was fine, but considering how many pages long this book is, there was a lot of talking and thinking compared to actual doing. And the action that did happen was extremely middle of the road in terms of intensity.
The writing was good and the audiobook narrator was really good as well.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book already has enough in-depth reviews. 3 stars seems too low for how addictive it was to read, but 4 seems too high considering I did have some stuff I didn’t like.
The book is addicting. No clue why specifically but it’s probably the combo of the dragons and romance. Feels like Divergent meets Blood Trials.
I still think it would have been better without the romance but I understand I’m in the minority on that front. Truly hate when there are secrets discovered versus shared. It breaks trust in a huge way but it’s then just forgiven seconds later.
The book is also too weirdly self aware. With comments like “we don’t like toxic men” and “I don’t like helpless women” other things that are too on the nose. Like the author was trying to nip off the common critiques romantasy gets.
Mix in some unnecessary deaths, and ending on an unsatisfying cliff hanger vs any kind of real resolution, just kept dropping how much I liked it by the end.
New adult can sometimes swing too close to YA. This one felt like the content fell to the adult side of new adult but the writing style was definitely more on the YA side. Either way it was addictive to read and I’ll probably still want to read more.
The book is addicting. No clue why specifically but it’s probably the combo of the dragons and romance. Feels like Divergent meets Blood Trials.
I still think it would have been better without the romance but I understand I’m in the minority on that front. Truly hate when there are secrets discovered versus shared. It breaks trust in a huge way but it’s then just forgiven seconds later.
The book is also too weirdly self aware. With comments like “we don’t like toxic men” and “I don’t like helpless women” other things that are too on the nose. Like the author was trying to nip off the common critiques romantasy gets.
Mix in some unnecessary deaths, and ending on an unsatisfying cliff hanger vs any kind of real resolution, just kept dropping how much I liked it by the end.
New adult can sometimes swing too close to YA. This one felt like the content fell to the adult side of new adult but the writing style was definitely more on the YA side. Either way it was addictive to read and I’ll probably still want to read more.