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elisa_menz's reviews
145 reviews
Heart of Dragons by Ash Oldfield
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
While we enjoyed the magic academy setting of the first two books, the third and final installment in the Rachaya Series takes us on a hero's journey in search of mythical creatures and a lost city.
It was a great change of pace and the trials Rachaya and her friends had to endure made the loss of the awesome dragon school worth the while.
My absolute favorite part of this book was the battle for Parazen. It was grueling and heartbreaking, which made all the turns and surprises even more exciting.
I would have loved more time with each character. Morhol, Mikel, Naz, and Hektor were great and deserved more "screen time".
I'm glad I stumbled upon this story and I will be recommending it to fans of dragons, magic schools, and strong female leads.
It was a great change of pace and the trials Rachaya and her friends had to endure made the loss of the awesome dragon school worth the while.
My absolute favorite part of this book was the battle for Parazen. It was grueling and heartbreaking, which made all the turns and surprises even more exciting.
I would have loved more time with each character. Morhol, Mikel, Naz, and Hektor were great and deserved more "screen time".
I'm glad I stumbled upon this story and I will be recommending it to fans of dragons, magic schools, and strong female leads.
The Willow Rise Six by Alan Leuthe
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
The Willow Rise Six has joined the selected few books that belong to a genre I don't usually read but totally blew my mind.
While the plot is straightforward with a few exciting moments, it's in the characters' construction where this story shines. Told from multiple POVs and with constant flashbacks, the story weaves five different perspectives from heavily troubled characters. The sheer beauty of the writing kept me glued to the pages of what I believe to be this author's debut novel.
A true masterpiece from start to finish.
While the plot is straightforward with a few exciting moments, it's in the characters' construction where this story shines. Told from multiple POVs and with constant flashbacks, the story weaves five different perspectives from heavily troubled characters. The sheer beauty of the writing kept me glued to the pages of what I believe to be this author's debut novel.
A true masterpiece from start to finish.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Death of parent, and Alcoholism
Minor: Racism, Abandonment, and Genocide
The Simple Delivery by Andrew Claydon
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
5.0
This book was on my radar for a while until I couldn't resist my curiosity anymore. I love fantasy but (please don't kill me) it can be exhausting to read sometimes. This book is refreshing in so many ways! I loved the way the author didn't overwhelm the reader with heavy worldbuilding but still managed to create a believable world.
Messages from the Gods through a severely unreliable channel? We can work with it.
Vampires? Sure!
Non-binary, shape-shifting damsels in distress? "Call me a damsel again and you'll learn what distress really means!"
Nicolas is the ultimate reluctant hero. He never changes his mind about his distaste for adventure. On the other hand and much to his dismay, he isn't the kind of guy who can turn his back on other people's pain. He's a goody-two-shoes but one we can relate to. He will save the day, complain thoroughly, and won't enjoy a second of it.
Definitely recommend this to anyone with a sense of humor.
Messages from the Gods through a severely unreliable channel? We can work with it.
Vampires? Sure!
Non-binary, shape-shifting damsels in distress? "Call me a damsel again and you'll learn what distress really means!"
Nicolas is the ultimate reluctant hero. He never changes his mind about his distaste for adventure. On the other hand and much to his dismay, he isn't the kind of guy who can turn his back on other people's pain. He's a goody-two-shoes but one we can relate to. He will save the day, complain thoroughly, and won't enjoy a second of it.
Definitely recommend this to anyone with a sense of humor.
Lorden Awakening by Krislee Ellsworth
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
4.75
It's been a while since I read a fantasy novel that feels like a "classic". Elemental magic and the Hero's Journey make Lorden Awakening a fulfilling read, with multiple POVs of young men and women who are thrown into a hostile world.
I particularly enjoyed the magic description and the effects it has on nature. I swear I fantasize about things like this!
It starts a bit slow, but Anaver and Rothrin's journey takes a dangerous and action-packed turn. I don't envy the position Sennery finds herself at the end, and that turn of events shocked me as much as it did her.
I'm looking forward to reading more about this magical world!
I particularly enjoyed the magic description and the effects it has on nature. I swear I fantasize about things like this!
It starts a bit slow, but Anaver and Rothrin's journey takes a dangerous and action-packed turn. I don't envy the position Sennery finds herself at the end, and that turn of events shocked me as much as it did her.
I'm looking forward to reading more about this magical world!
Along the Perimeter: Amboy Book One by Steven Healt
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
4.25
May I begin by saying, the worldbuilding in this book is absolutely stunning!
It can be a little confusing at first, the mix between what feels like a medieval-ish setting, sprinkled with technology and evidence of a "modern" past. Reminded me a lot of The Shannara Chronicles with fewer elves and more aliens.
It took me a while to get my bearings and start to truly enjoy the story. The political drama slowly unveils and the jumps between POVs make it a slow-paced read. However, once all the pieces are in place you just can't let go.
Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Cordelia, Carter, and the Amber Waves.
It can be a little confusing at first, the mix between what feels like a medieval-ish setting, sprinkled with technology and evidence of a "modern" past. Reminded me a lot of The Shannara Chronicles with fewer elves and more aliens.
It took me a while to get my bearings and start to truly enjoy the story. The political drama slowly unveils and the jumps between POVs make it a slow-paced read. However, once all the pieces are in place you just can't let go.
Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Cordelia, Carter, and the Amber Waves.
Song of the Sea by Duckie Mack
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
This book comes to confirm what I love the most about Duckie Mack's writing. Her characters are absolutely wonderful! Calder and Denver share a beautiful relationship and the way they care about each other never fails to warm my heart. This is the kind of book you read when you want to feel good about the world.
Not everything is romance and sexy mermen. There's a vital environmental message intertwined with their history, and Calder's desire to do good beyond what is asked of him is something we should all strive to achieve. Empathy and hard work are what will save our world.
Not everything is romance and sexy mermen. There's a vital environmental message intertwined with their history, and Calder's desire to do good beyond what is asked of him is something we should all strive to achieve. Empathy and hard work are what will save our world.
Christmas After All by Cece Louise
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.5
I'm a bit of a Grinch with this kind of novel, so when I got the chance to read it I didn't have high expectations.
So happy I was proved utterly wrong.
Christmas After All starts with the protagonists as teens, acting like teens. I ended Chapter One with the searing desire to slap them both.
Then we jump ten years into the future, and so much has changed: their inner monologue is more mature and their actions are no longer childish. Perhaps is a little thing, but it was the first sign that proved I was going to love Cece Louise's characters.
While this story can be tagged under the sometimes dreaded "miscommunication" trope, it works. It makes sense! And in the end, you get a swoon-worthy, enemies-to-lovers, sweet romance.
Five stars and a happy heart from me!
So happy I was proved utterly wrong.
Christmas After All starts with the protagonists as teens, acting like teens. I ended Chapter One with the searing desire to slap them both.
Then we jump ten years into the future, and so much has changed: their inner monologue is more mature and their actions are no longer childish. Perhaps is a little thing, but it was the first sign that proved I was going to love Cece Louise's characters.
While this story can be tagged under the sometimes dreaded "miscommunication" trope, it works. It makes sense! And in the end, you get a swoon-worthy, enemies-to-lovers, sweet romance.
Five stars and a happy heart from me!
Night Terrors by Kristen Tomaru
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't this horrifying little marvel.
I am completely in love. And terrified.
Definitely recommend it to weird adults. Keep away from children.
I am completely in love. And terrified.
Definitely recommend it to weird adults. Keep away from children.
Content Warnings
Minor: Gore
Crossing Lines by L.A. Dobbs
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
4.5
While it didn't feel as "high stakes" as other murder thriller novels, I enjoyed this one.
For starters, I was concerned about the fact this is the sixth book in the series, but I never felt lost.
Both Sam and Jo are great characters, and even with the absence of gut-wrenching action scenes, the investigation was exciting.
I didn't guess who the real killer was until the very end. So this is either well-written, or I'm getting dumb. Undeniably a great novel!
For starters, I was concerned about the fact this is the sixth book in the series, but I never felt lost.
Both Sam and Jo are great characters, and even with the absence of gut-wrenching action scenes, the investigation was exciting.
I didn't guess who the real killer was until the very end. So this is either well-written, or I'm getting dumb. Undeniably a great novel!
Easy Guide to Escape Hell by Elisa Menz
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0