Scan barcode
elisa_menz's reviews
145 reviews
The Dark Forest Of Mysterious Evils by D. Heyman
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I'm not sure what I expected when I started this book. I am so confused, but in an unexpectedly satisfactory way.
This is a fantasy adventure, okay? It 100% is, and we have a diverse cast of characters on a quest, fighting scenes, sorcery, and some great dialogue. All the awesome things we love in a classical fantasy adventure novel. But then there are those tidbits of weird information. Glimpses of "something else" going on. You end up wondering if you missed something, or if this all going to end up in one big reveal at the end. Which we got, but not *everything* was revealed.
This should be frustrating, but it's not. Or rather just a little.
Might need that book II... I can't live like this.
This is a fantasy adventure, okay? It 100% is, and we have a diverse cast of characters on a quest, fighting scenes, sorcery, and some great dialogue. All the awesome things we love in a classical fantasy adventure novel. But then there are those tidbits of weird information. Glimpses of "something else" going on. You end up wondering if you missed something, or if this all going to end up in one big reveal at the end. Which we got, but not *everything* was revealed.
This should be frustrating, but it's not. Or rather just a little.
Might need that book II... I can't live like this.
Speechless In Achten Tan by Debbie Iancu-Haddad
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is my first time reading anything from this author, so I had no idea what to expect. Personal spoiler alert: I really enjoyed it!
This book has a magnificent world-building that doesn't resemble anything I've read before. From the vastly different landscapes; to the fantasy races and cultures and the magic system, you can tell the author put a lot of effort and love into this story.
While I can understand Mila's need to go to such lengths to unlock her magic and move on with her life, some of her choices seemed selfish at first. She put herself and her friends in mortal danger with a levity that sometimes felt anticlimatic. But in the end, it was all for the greater good and I could root for her success.
OMG... is this a sign I'm no longer of age to read YA novels???
I believe this is part of a series, but this book is self-conclusive. I recommend this if you're looking for a different (very different) version of a fantasy world and magic system.
This book has a magnificent world-building that doesn't resemble anything I've read before. From the vastly different landscapes; to the fantasy races and cultures and the magic system, you can tell the author put a lot of effort and love into this story.
While I can understand Mila's need to go to such lengths to unlock her magic and move on with her life, some of her choices seemed selfish at first. She put herself and her friends in mortal danger with a levity that sometimes felt anticlimatic. But in the end, it was all for the greater good and I could root for her success.
OMG... is this a sign I'm no longer of age to read YA novels???
I believe this is part of a series, but this book is self-conclusive. I recommend this if you're looking for a different (very different) version of a fantasy world and magic system.
A Donkey, A Stablehand And An Empire (Three Crowns Book 1) by D. Heyman
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.5
What is it with these authors writing amazing plot twists at the end of their books?
This has to be the second book I've come across that waited until the last chapter and in this case, the very last page, to smack me in the face with a revelation so unexpected I let out a very loud ¡¿Qué?! when I read it (the first one was a thriller, so that's understandable).
A short, highly absurd, and humorous story, this novel has no shortage of awesome characters and absurd laws. I mean... seriously... anyone who kills the previous regent becomes the new regent? What if they choke on some veggies? Hail, sir Broccoli! First of his name!
With some heavy Mel Brooks vibes, A Donkey, a Stablehand, and an Empire is a book you can read in one sitting whenever you are in the mood for something light, or if you feel democracy has let you down and we should all be ruled by an ass.
This has to be the second book I've come across that waited until the last chapter and in this case, the very last page, to smack me in the face with a revelation so unexpected I let out a very loud ¡¿Qué?! when I read it (the first one was a thriller, so that's understandable).
A short, highly absurd, and humorous story, this novel has no shortage of awesome characters and absurd laws. I mean... seriously... anyone who kills the previous regent becomes the new regent? What if they choke on some veggies? Hail, sir Broccoli! First of his name!
With some heavy Mel Brooks vibes, A Donkey, a Stablehand, and an Empire is a book you can read in one sitting whenever you are in the mood for something light, or if you feel democracy has let you down and we should all be ruled by an ass.
The Blue Fairy and the Pyromancer by Zeiss Schreiber, Zeiss Schreiber
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
Another 2023 discovery and it's a winner!
An amazing novel full with incredible characters. Given the current state of the world we live in, reading about social injustice, prejudice, and bigotry can be particularly painful, but this story gives you a glimpse of hope. Kieran and Faith grew up in very different worlds but in their core, they're both kind, decent people. It takes one uncomfortable nudge for them to question what they think they know, and see the world with each others' eyes.
Breeze was delightful. Innocent and a bit childish at first, she possesses that warmth and openmindedness that we should all have in our lives. Her growth doesn't come at the expense of destroying her beautiful soul, and I'm just grateful we were spared the pain in this first book. Because after that ending... I can only imagine what the future will bring (introduce very bad badies here).
Absolutely uplifting and exciting, and for the record (personal opinion here), if you don't shed a tear after reading the first chapter, you're dead inside.
An amazing novel full with incredible characters. Given the current state of the world we live in, reading about social injustice, prejudice, and bigotry can be particularly painful, but this story gives you a glimpse of hope. Kieran and Faith grew up in very different worlds but in their core, they're both kind, decent people. It takes one uncomfortable nudge for them to question what they think they know, and see the world with each others' eyes.
Breeze was delightful. Innocent and a bit childish at first, she possesses that warmth and openmindedness that we should all have in our lives. Her growth doesn't come at the expense of destroying her beautiful soul, and I'm just grateful we were spared the pain in this first book. Because after that ending... I can only imagine what the future will bring (introduce very bad badies here).
Absolutely uplifting and exciting, and for the record (personal opinion here), if you don't shed a tear after reading the first chapter, you're dead inside.
Dragons Walk Among Us by Dan Rice
adventurous
medium-paced
4.0
A fun story with some seriously interesting ideas. Allison is a teenage girl suffering through high school and bullying. Despite the not-so-great moments she endures in school, I believe her life is pretty awesome. She has a wonderful dad, two loyal friends, and a talent for photography that's highly recognized. Remove the fact her mother abandoned her at birth, the nasty popular girl who torments her, and Allison's hopeless crush on the cute boy who only sees her as a friend, and life is actually smiling at her.
Then she's attacked and loses her vision. Welp. That was pretty awful. But here comes Dad to the rescue with his super-sciency friends and experimental procedures that restore the gift of sight again, and with a kick!
It's not long until she's back in school with perfect eyesight (including night vision and integrated zoom), she's now kind of popular because she's an awesome cyborg, and things get pretty exciting when she sees her first dragon walking around people.
The thing is, I was happy with this plot. I needed no more.
But it turned out this was only half the story and not even a third of the crazy revelations.
I'll stop before I spoil. Go read the book. Cool stuff ahead.
Then she's attacked and loses her vision. Welp. That was pretty awful. But here comes Dad to the rescue with his super-sciency friends and experimental procedures that restore the gift of sight again, and with a kick!
It's not long until she's back in school with perfect eyesight (including night vision and integrated zoom), she's now kind of popular because she's an awesome cyborg, and things get pretty exciting when she sees her first dragon walking around people.
The thing is, I was happy with this plot. I needed no more.
But it turned out this was only half the story and not even a third of the crazy revelations.
I'll stop before I spoil. Go read the book. Cool stuff ahead.
Before The Shadow by David Green
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A prequel that answers some of the most pressing questions raised in Empire of Ruin's first book. Kind of explains why we're reading a series called "Empire of Ruin."
I recommend reading this one after Book I: In Solitude's Shadow. It will give you some direction as to who are the worst people in Haltveldt and why Tilo should be protected at all costs.
If the ending of Book I left you with a foreboding feeling, this awesome prequel will definitely intensify it. Highly recommend, don't skip this one.
I recommend reading this one after Book I: In Solitude's Shadow. It will give you some direction as to who are the worst people in Haltveldt and why Tilo should be protected at all costs.
If the ending of Book I left you with a foreboding feeling, this awesome prequel will definitely intensify it. Highly recommend, don't skip this one.
In Solitude's Shadow by David Green
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This story leans towards the darker side of Fantasy, and I'm not one to veer in that direction often. Or ever. However, I was unable to give up this book due to it being fricking amazing.
The writing is flawless. Everything, from the characters, the setting, the horrors of war, the political intrigue, the history and nuances surrounding every race of people living in this world, build a plot that makes you want to know what is going to happen to these people and how are we going to survive this big, bloody mess.
The author doesn't pull his punches. There are some truly horrifying moments and others that make you want to jump into the story and knock the lights out of some characters. I may now have cried while reading this book, but I certainly hurled some pretty scathing words at my screen. Strong feelings, indeed!
Some highlights of my reading journey:
-I gave up trying to pronounce Haltveldt pretty soon.
-I didn't skip any fighting scenes, which I'm ashamed to say I do often.
-I'm on team "I think Calene is crazy for reacting to Zanna's actions as she did," but honestly, who am I to judge?
-If Tilo is hurt, we riot.
-Can Garet die again, please?
-Where can I get an application to adopt Arlo?
The writing is flawless. Everything, from the characters, the setting, the horrors of war, the political intrigue, the history and nuances surrounding every race of people living in this world, build a plot that makes you want to know what is going to happen to these people and how are we going to survive this big, bloody mess.
The author doesn't pull his punches. There are some truly horrifying moments and others that make you want to jump into the story and knock the lights out of some characters. I may now have cried while reading this book, but I certainly hurled some pretty scathing words at my screen. Strong feelings, indeed!
Some highlights of my reading journey:
-I gave up trying to pronounce Haltveldt pretty soon.
-I didn't skip any fighting scenes, which I'm ashamed to say I do often.
-I'm on team "I think Calene is crazy for reacting to Zanna's actions as she did," but honestly, who am I to judge?
-If Tilo is hurt, we riot.
-Can Garet die again, please?
-Where can I get an application to adopt Arlo?
The Phoenix Host (Roanfire Saga Book 1) by C.K. Miller
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
5.0
This one goes to the "Just One More Chapter Before I Go To Sleep-OMG Is That The Sun?!" shelf.
Amazing writing, fantastic characters, and a story that grabs you and won't let go.
C.K. Miller can give a masterclass on Strong Female Characters. Keatep is the most determined, kind, and courageous woman I've ever read. While she grew up with a loving father figure and a wonderful friend by her side, she trained harder than any other soldier to protect the kingdom and the people she loved. Facing immeasurable danger and coming to terms with her terrible destiny, she fights will all her might to overcome everything this evil, EVIL author throws at her.
I mean... is there some sort of injury she missed during her journey? I think my body still aches just thinking of every broken bone and debilitating wound. And the poisoning. Don't forget the poisoning.
Aren't we missing something? Her heart! Of course, we need to break that organ too!
Don't get me wrong, this book is fantastic. But did she really need to fall in love with the absolute worst (best!) guy around? Was it really necessary to wait for her to share a nanosecond of happiness with her dad before the guy croaks (okay, I forgive you that)? Can at least her best friend stand by her side when she loses almost everything? No... well T_T
But you won't touch the horses, right? Not the beautiful, loyal horsie that Keatep loves like... NOOOOOOO!!!!
Yeah, I loved it. I 100% recommend this book. And therapy.
Amazing writing, fantastic characters, and a story that grabs you and won't let go.
C.K. Miller can give a masterclass on Strong Female Characters. Keatep is the most determined, kind, and courageous woman I've ever read. While she grew up with a loving father figure and a wonderful friend by her side, she trained harder than any other soldier to protect the kingdom and the people she loved. Facing immeasurable danger and coming to terms with her terrible destiny, she fights will all her might to overcome everything this evil, EVIL author throws at her.
I mean... is there some sort of injury she missed during her journey? I think my body still aches just thinking of every broken bone and debilitating wound. And the poisoning. Don't forget the poisoning.
Aren't we missing something? Her heart! Of course, we need to break that organ too!
Don't get me wrong, this book is fantastic. But did she really need to fall in love with the absolute worst (best!) guy around? Was it really necessary to wait for her to share a nanosecond of happiness with her dad before the guy croaks (okay, I forgive you that)? Can at least her best friend stand by her side when she loses almost everything? No... well T_T
But you won't touch the horses, right? Not the beautiful, loyal horsie that Keatep loves like... NOOOOOOO!!!!
Yeah, I loved it. I 100% recommend this book. And therapy.
Keisha and the Rise of the Legacy by T.R. Tells
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I really enjoyed the idea behind this story. A teenage girl watches her mother being taken by a hooded figure and spirited away through a portal. Soon after she discovers Hell is real and it's in fact, another realm named Inferno. This realization comes with the not-less-impressive fact that her missing father, Dante Alighieri, comes from this realm and is a powerful leader among its people.
Enough to get your head spinning in a most exciting way.
I loved how the author incorporated classical myths and creatures with names in literature and Keisha's everyday shenanigans. Her journey of self-discovery includes everything that we love about these stories, including new friends, training sessions, and visiting jaw-dropping landscapes. It's a good read for children.
I do feel great children's books can also be enjoyed by adults, but this one didn't quite lure me in. It does have some striking elements that make it enjoyable, but I wasn't convinced by Keisha's personality.
It's fast-paced, exciting, and imaginative. Definitely recommend it for a younger audience that loves Fantasy novels.
Enough to get your head spinning in a most exciting way.
I loved how the author incorporated classical myths and creatures with names in literature and Keisha's everyday shenanigans. Her journey of self-discovery includes everything that we love about these stories, including new friends, training sessions, and visiting jaw-dropping landscapes. It's a good read for children.
I do feel great children's books can also be enjoyed by adults, but this one didn't quite lure me in. It does have some striking elements that make it enjoyable, but I wasn't convinced by Keisha's personality.
It's fast-paced, exciting, and imaginative. Definitely recommend it for a younger audience that loves Fantasy novels.
The Crow King by M.H. Woodscourt
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
4.75
I've had this book quietly resting somewhere in my TBR pile for quite some time. Knowing me, I would have taken too long to finally read it if not for this reading challenge madness. I'm forever grateful.
This Coming of Age story has all the elements we love about classic Fantasy. A protagonist who is inherently good and a bit naïve. A villain who lost all traces of humanity for the sake of absolute power. Opposing kingdoms waging a long war based on falsehoods and fear. Dragons, unicorns, mages, elves. You name it!
While some argue this lacks the depth of some of the more dark and complex fantasy novels we can find nowadays, I completely disagree. Perhaps this book will fit better with a younger audience, but it didn't take anything away from its quality and how much I enjoyed it.
It's beautiful to read and imagine each place. The characters are endearing (or frustrating... or terrifying). There are some truly inspiring pieces of dialogue.
Overall (if you disregard cannibalism) this is a great story for young adults or even children. Or sentimental adults.
This Coming of Age story has all the elements we love about classic Fantasy. A protagonist who is inherently good and a bit naïve. A villain who lost all traces of humanity for the sake of absolute power. Opposing kingdoms waging a long war based on falsehoods and fear. Dragons, unicorns, mages, elves. You name it!
While some argue this lacks the depth of some of the more dark and complex fantasy novels we can find nowadays, I completely disagree. Perhaps this book will fit better with a younger audience, but it didn't take anything away from its quality and how much I enjoyed it.
It's beautiful to read and imagine each place. The characters are endearing (or frustrating... or terrifying). There are some truly inspiring pieces of dialogue.
Overall (if you disregard cannibalism) this is a great story for young adults or even children. Or sentimental adults.