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elisa_menz's reviews
145 reviews
Inked by Rachel Rener
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Just in case the cover didn't massively establish this beforehand... this book is colorful. I don't mean that just because the protagonist is an artist and the other world she steps into is an occipital lobe overheating madness. Once you're done processing the beautiful and mind-boggling landscapes and creatures, you have to deal with characters who are just as vibrant.
If there's one thing you can say about this author is her talent to create very distinct personalities. The voices of her characters are unmistakable and the story is fast-paced thanks to the endless banter between Talia and Zain, Talia and her mom, Talia and Biscuit, Talia and every-other-magical-creature-she-meets.
I've read nothing but praise for this series and I can totally understand the appeal now. Do beware, reading Gilded Blood comes with sensory overload (I swear I can hear Talia's mom's voice in my head!)
100% recommend it to indoor adrenaline junkies.
If there's one thing you can say about this author is her talent to create very distinct personalities. The voices of her characters are unmistakable and the story is fast-paced thanks to the endless banter between Talia and Zain, Talia and her mom, Talia and Biscuit, Talia and every-other-magical-creature-she-meets.
I've read nothing but praise for this series and I can totally understand the appeal now. Do beware, reading Gilded Blood comes with sensory overload (I swear I can hear Talia's mom's voice in my head!)
100% recommend it to indoor adrenaline junkies.
The Streets of Whirly by A.M. Rodgers
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I can't even remember how I found this book. I knew nothing about the author, and upon learning this was a debut novel, the usual doubts followed. But I was eager to read some Steampunk (which I haven't read much) and the touch of Fantasy picked my curiosity.
The thing is, always trust your gut.
This book is absolutely marvelous! It is perfect, delicious, exhilarating. There it goes, to my small podium of favorites.
The worldbuilding is just on point. Never exhausting, and so perfectly crafted it was like a movie playing in my mind. The magic system was... how to describe it? Believable! It made sense, it was organic and balanced. Reminded me a little of the magic in Howl's Moving Castle. The Fei! I know that from this day forth whenever I lose something I will blame it on Fei.
Jule and Peter won me over the second they were begrudgingly paired. Their quirks, their backstory, and the natural progression of their friendship were so detailed and thought off, no one will convince me they're not real people (yes, I'm actively and willingly hallucinating from now on).
Some might argue this story is slow, but this is precisely what made it perfect for me. There is action, danger, and mystery to satisfy the most demanding readers, but the moments of peace and the budding relationships are what make this story a cozy read. The warmth and kindness jumped out of the page. I cried several times. Some happy tears and a few very bitter ones.
Anyways, I'm in love.
The thing is, always trust your gut.
This book is absolutely marvelous! It is perfect, delicious, exhilarating. There it goes, to my small podium of favorites.
The worldbuilding is just on point. Never exhausting, and so perfectly crafted it was like a movie playing in my mind. The magic system was... how to describe it? Believable! It made sense, it was organic and balanced. Reminded me a little of the magic in Howl's Moving Castle. The Fei! I know that from this day forth whenever I lose something I will blame it on Fei.
Jule and Peter won me over the second they were begrudgingly paired. Their quirks, their backstory, and the natural progression of their friendship were so detailed and thought off, no one will convince me they're not real people (yes, I'm actively and willingly hallucinating from now on).
Some might argue this story is slow, but this is precisely what made it perfect for me. There is action, danger, and mystery to satisfy the most demanding readers, but the moments of peace and the budding relationships are what make this story a cozy read. The warmth and kindness jumped out of the page. I cried several times. Some happy tears and a few very bitter ones.
Anyways, I'm in love.
Mary, Everything by Cassandra Yorke
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.5
Where do I even start?
First, and advice: you will grab this book, read the blurb, and think "This looks interesting." Then you start reading and you'll be mighty confused. Where is the time travel? Did it already happen and I missed it? Why does this college campus feel so... like a dream? Why is everyone (even the doggies!) so absolutely, appallingly cruel to Courtney?
I won't lie, the first third was slow-paced, baffling, and yet, utterly beautiful and heartwrenching. The plot sways back and forth between Courtney's present and... her past? Her dreams? Just don't fight it and enjoy the words.
Then the plot smacks you in the face with all the revelations, arcane powers, and parallel worlds, and suddenly everything makes sense! You have your answers and the loveliest heroines arise.
There's such a tangible dissonance whenever Courtney is in the "other" world. It felt so wrong but it was so masterfully written. It's a real pleasure to find books that elicit such a visceral response.
Do I recommend it? Absolutely, but read it with an open mind that sees beyond the page. You may be touched by some of the loneliness and pain in this book but, in the end, these girls' story is about courage, friendship, and love.
First, and advice: you will grab this book, read the blurb, and think "This looks interesting." Then you start reading and you'll be mighty confused. Where is the time travel? Did it already happen and I missed it? Why does this college campus feel so... like a dream? Why is everyone (even the doggies!) so absolutely, appallingly cruel to Courtney?
I won't lie, the first third was slow-paced, baffling, and yet, utterly beautiful and heartwrenching. The plot sways back and forth between Courtney's present and... her past? Her dreams? Just don't fight it and enjoy the words.
Then the plot smacks you in the face with all the revelations, arcane powers, and parallel worlds, and suddenly everything makes sense! You have your answers and the loveliest heroines arise.
There's such a tangible dissonance whenever Courtney is in the "other" world. It felt so wrong but it was so masterfully written. It's a real pleasure to find books that elicit such a visceral response.
Do I recommend it? Absolutely, but read it with an open mind that sees beyond the page. You may be touched by some of the loneliness and pain in this book but, in the end, these girls' story is about courage, friendship, and love.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Bullying, and Child abuse
The Crow Flies Free by Michael Robert
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A beautiful coming-of-age romance between two childhood friends.
I enjoyed the lovely relationship between Joey and Caleb, but I feel the story lost its focus and wasted a few great opportunities to introduce amazing and heartbreaking scenes.
I enjoyed the lovely relationship between Joey and Caleb, but I feel the story lost its focus and wasted a few great opportunities to introduce amazing and heartbreaking scenes.
Strange companions by Andrew Claydon
adventurous
funny
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
We're back on the road with Nick Carnage and company!
There's no shortage of adventure and hilarious situations in this second novel of the Chronicles of the Dawnblade, and poor Nick ends up even more banged up than last time. The old team is quickly reunited with some surprising additions, which I will not reveal to avoid spoilers. I will only say, one has impressive abs, one has feathers, and the third one isn't fun to be around when he sneezes.
I LOVE this story. There's danger, bad people, evil machinations, and a lot to lose if no one stands up and faces these villains. Enters Nicolas, the most reluctant hero of all who's now experiencing PTSD after his last successful near-death experience.
He's excited (kind of) about the prospect of going on a new adventure with Garaz and Auron but he quickly realizes he has to work through a deep-rooted fear which petrifies him when he needs to leap from a charging minotaur's path. Among other deadly things.
Despite his ill-suited state of mind, he survives every challenge with the simple conviction someone has to do something to help people in need. He doesn't believe he's the right pick to do it, but if no one else is nearby there's no chance he'll walk away. Yep, this guy is the ultimate reluctant hero.
The third book of this series, The Odd Sea is coming soon and I'm so ready to learn if Auron will finally move on, if Garaz will perfect his fireball, or if Shift will ever stop teasing Nicolas. I certainly hope Nick Carnage doesn't change.
There's no shortage of adventure and hilarious situations in this second novel of the Chronicles of the Dawnblade, and poor Nick ends up even more banged up than last time. The old team is quickly reunited with some surprising additions, which I will not reveal to avoid spoilers. I will only say, one has impressive abs, one has feathers, and the third one isn't fun to be around when he sneezes.
I LOVE this story. There's danger, bad people, evil machinations, and a lot to lose if no one stands up and faces these villains. Enters Nicolas, the most reluctant hero of all who's now experiencing PTSD after his last successful near-death experience.
He's excited (kind of) about the prospect of going on a new adventure with Garaz and Auron but he quickly realizes he has to work through a deep-rooted fear which petrifies him when he needs to leap from a charging minotaur's path. Among other deadly things.
Despite his ill-suited state of mind, he survives every challenge with the simple conviction someone has to do something to help people in need. He doesn't believe he's the right pick to do it, but if no one else is nearby there's no chance he'll walk away. Yep, this guy is the ultimate reluctant hero.
The third book of this series, The Odd Sea is coming soon and I'm so ready to learn if Auron will finally move on, if Garaz will perfect his fireball, or if Shift will ever stop teasing Nicolas. I certainly hope Nick Carnage doesn't change.
Flight of a Thousand Embers by P.N. Vang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
For a fantasy geek like me, there's hardly anything more satisfying than discovering an entirely new world as well-developed as this one. When you start reading and get that incredible feeling you're witnessing things happen instead of just reading them on a page, you know you've found a gem.
And that's not even the best part of this novel!
I'm just in awe of the amazing characters in this book. You have morally grey dudes, and then you have Splenor. I usually find it hard to justify some of the vilest actions in some of these "troubled" characters, but I can 100% stand behind this guy. The author managed to keep us on the line about "should we hate this guy or not?" for the entire novel. His ending in this first book is one of the most heartbreaking I've read in a while. Narwin is a bit of a pushover for most of the story, and when she stands her ground it usually backfires horribly (poor woman!). But her character arc is wild, and I'm afraid for her (and of her) for the next book. Guy is perfect. We love Guy. He starts as a cocky bastard with a big ego to hide his insecurities but by the end of the book we can't help but love The Guy.
...please don't kill him.
I'm still not sure how I feel about Rayla. Not my favorite in this novel, but after seeing what the author can do with her characters, I hope for great things.
10/10 recommend to fans of Epic Fantasy, forbidden magic, political intrigue, and amazing characters!
And that's not even the best part of this novel!
I'm just in awe of the amazing characters in this book. You have morally grey dudes, and then you have Splenor. I usually find it hard to justify some of the vilest actions in some of these "troubled" characters, but I can 100% stand behind this guy. The author managed to keep us on the line about "should we hate this guy or not?" for the entire novel. His ending in this first book is one of the most heartbreaking I've read in a while. Narwin is a bit of a pushover for most of the story, and when she stands her ground it usually backfires horribly (poor woman!). But her character arc is wild, and I'm afraid for her (and of her) for the next book. Guy is perfect. We love Guy. He starts as a cocky bastard with a big ego to hide his insecurities but by the end of the book we can't help but love The Guy.
...please don't kill him.
I'm still not sure how I feel about Rayla. Not my favorite in this novel, but after seeing what the author can do with her characters, I hope for great things.
10/10 recommend to fans of Epic Fantasy, forbidden magic, political intrigue, and amazing characters!
Blood witch dragon by K. Panikian
adventurous
emotional
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
4.5
I'll start this review by saying I don't share the collective adoration for fae stories. I don't reject them, but I've never been tempted by them. Then comes this book. I'm familiar with this author's work so I was intrigued and the description caught my fickle attention: a mother in a quest to rescue her children from Fae lands and a myriad of fantastical and dangerous creatures.
Things start in a very mundane way, with Willa and her twins living the best life possible after their father took off the second he realized she was pregnant. Luckily, this douche's mother came to the rescue and took the three of them under her wings. End of mundanity. Enters loads of magic.
Willa tiptoes into this inexplicable world where folklore and fairy tales slap her in the face. At some point, if she kept saying "there's no such thing as *insert any magical creature here* I would have suggested therapy. Luckily for everyone involved, she gets over this pretty quickly and gets to work. Because no one is leaving her behind like a damsel in distress! Willa will charge ahead and save her children, other people's children, and a few strangers in the process. I'm not saying this lightly, since Willa's kindness and courage are some of the main catalysts for many interesting developments in this story (I'll stop before I spoil).
I liked Shane as a partner. Lovely guy, a bit lost, but nice anyway.
But Kalo. Before reading this book I never would have thought I would be pinning for a goblin. Yes. You read that right. Sexy goblin up ahead. Omg... is this how you start reading Monster Romance?!
I would argue this book has some slow moments, but they don't overshadow the awesomeness.
Jump through a fairy ring into another world. Check.
Train your swordfight skills with a goblin prince. Check.
Flirt with said goblin prince. Double-check.
Date a berserker shape-shifter tasked with protecting your family. Oh, yes! Check.
Eat your enemies. Check... wait, what?!
Things start in a very mundane way, with Willa and her twins living the best life possible after their father took off the second he realized she was pregnant. Luckily, this douche's mother came to the rescue and took the three of them under her wings. End of mundanity. Enters loads of magic.
Willa tiptoes into this inexplicable world where folklore and fairy tales slap her in the face. At some point, if she kept saying "there's no such thing as *insert any magical creature here* I would have suggested therapy. Luckily for everyone involved, she gets over this pretty quickly and gets to work. Because no one is leaving her behind like a damsel in distress! Willa will charge ahead and save her children, other people's children, and a few strangers in the process. I'm not saying this lightly, since Willa's kindness and courage are some of the main catalysts for many interesting developments in this story (I'll stop before I spoil).
I liked Shane as a partner. Lovely guy, a bit lost, but nice anyway.
But Kalo. Before reading this book I never would have thought I would be pinning for a goblin. Yes. You read that right. Sexy goblin up ahead. Omg... is this how you start reading Monster Romance?!
I would argue this book has some slow moments, but they don't overshadow the awesomeness.
Jump through a fairy ring into another world. Check.
Train your swordfight skills with a goblin prince. Check.
Flirt with said goblin prince. Double-check.
Date a berserker shape-shifter tasked with protecting your family. Oh, yes! Check.
Eat your enemies. Check... wait, what?!
Emma's Story by Nils Ödlund
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The best word to describe this book is magical. It read like a fairy tale of old, those that were supposedly for children but can break a very adult heart.
The simplicity of the anfylk's way of life balanced against Emma's fears and emotions was a magnificent contrast. I enjoyed the cozy beauty of the village, the forest, and the people, but suffered alongside Emma for all the injustice and doubts she endured.
The end left me brokenhearted. No bittersweet silver lining. Still, lovely.
The simplicity of the anfylk's way of life balanced against Emma's fears and emotions was a magnificent contrast. I enjoyed the cozy beauty of the village, the forest, and the people, but suffered alongside Emma for all the injustice and doubts she endured.
The end left me brokenhearted. No bittersweet silver lining. Still, lovely.
A Path of Branches: The Mindbridge Trilogy Book 2 by Joe Luegers
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Lucky me, I'm on a streak of reading AMAZING books!
When reading a new series I'm always wary to start the dreaded second book, because sometimes they don't live up to the first one's hype. Not the case here! A Path of Branches widely surpasses its predecessor in both action and character development.
The stakes rise to a hair of becoming farfetched and end up being just breathtaking. Honestly... "I exhaled a breath I didn't realize I was holding" was my default mode while reading.
Once again we have two teenage girls who are the only hope to save the world (both worlds). Despite the common YA trope, Kaija and Maeryn feel real. They feel REASONABLE. They traverse danger and hard choices as a teen would do: afraid, dubious, and wounded. So many things that could have ended up being cliché, are not. There are no magical-came-out-of-nowhere solutions here. There are some great moments of self-discovery and rage/fear-induced power that accomplish little to nothing. Responsible adults are pretty involved in all of this save-the-world drama and no one is making the children decide whether everyone lives or dies. Love doesn't conquer all. It kind of ruin stuff in a beautiful way.
I loved the humor. I loved the world-building. Jerkbirds are my new favorite fantasy animal.
There's still a book III coming, and after that ending, I need answers.
When reading a new series I'm always wary to start the dreaded second book, because sometimes they don't live up to the first one's hype. Not the case here! A Path of Branches widely surpasses its predecessor in both action and character development.
The stakes rise to a hair of becoming farfetched and end up being just breathtaking. Honestly... "I exhaled a breath I didn't realize I was holding" was my default mode while reading.
Once again we have two teenage girls who are the only hope to save the world (both worlds). Despite the common YA trope, Kaija and Maeryn feel real. They feel REASONABLE. They traverse danger and hard choices as a teen would do: afraid, dubious, and wounded. So many things that could have ended up being cliché, are not. There are no magical-came-out-of-nowhere solutions here. There are some great moments of self-discovery and rage/fear-induced power that accomplish little to nothing. Responsible adults are pretty involved in all of this save-the-world drama and no one is making the children decide whether everyone lives or dies. Love doesn't conquer all. It kind of ruin stuff in a beautiful way.
I loved the humor. I loved the world-building. Jerkbirds are my new favorite fantasy animal.
There's still a book III coming, and after that ending, I need answers.
Identity Crisis: Book One of the Arbiter Trilogy by Clayton Pulsipher
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
4.0
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What an exciting debut novel! The first installment of the Arbiter Trilogy regals you with great world-building (or is it universe-building?), a variety of alien races, and a multiple-POV adventure that hardly slows down on the action.
Despite all the razzle and dazzle of spaceships and alien monsters, it's in concepts like a hive mind and synthetic intelligence this novel shines. It raises some interesting questions about the unhinged advancement of technology and the moral grounds some people are willing to stomp on in the name of "progress."
I recommend this to SciFi fans. You'll find a refreshing mix of Avatar and Star Wars with a sprinkle of The Martian at the end.
What an exciting debut novel! The first installment of the Arbiter Trilogy regals you with great world-building (or is it universe-building?), a variety of alien races, and a multiple-POV adventure that hardly slows down on the action.
Despite all the razzle and dazzle of spaceships and alien monsters, it's in concepts like a hive mind and synthetic intelligence this novel shines. It raises some interesting questions about the unhinged advancement of technology and the moral grounds some people are willing to stomp on in the name of "progress."
I recommend this to SciFi fans. You'll find a refreshing mix of Avatar and Star Wars with a sprinkle of The Martian at the end.