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enchantedfiction's reviews
198 reviews
Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.5
*Thank you Libro.fm for the audio copy!*
Fangirl Down was my first Tessa Bailey book, and it did not disappoint! I enjoyed the overall plot of the story and the characters, and the narration for the audio was done very well. It was a pretty light and fluffy story, which I feel most rom-coms are anyway, with no major conflicts.
The only real thing I had a little issue with was how Wells seemed to be this closed off, angry guy at the beginning, and it felt like he started changing a little too quickly to be believable. I kind of wish he had fought himself a little harder against Josephine's pull to create a little more of a sexual tension. I personally love slow burn, so maybe that part of me is in the forefront today. Not to say I thought Wells' character development wasn't believable, because I do think it was, but when it came to the suddenly letting someone into his life so easily that came as the harder to believe.
If you're looking for a fun, sports rom-com, I would definitely recommend this one. It was pretty funny and entertaining.
Fangirl Down was my first Tessa Bailey book, and it did not disappoint! I enjoyed the overall plot of the story and the characters, and the narration for the audio was done very well. It was a pretty light and fluffy story, which I feel most rom-coms are anyway, with no major conflicts.
The only real thing I had a little issue with was how Wells seemed to be this closed off, angry guy at the beginning, and it felt like he started changing a little too quickly to be believable. I kind of wish he had fought himself a little harder against Josephine's pull to create a little more of a sexual tension. I personally love slow burn, so maybe that part of me is in the forefront today. Not to say I thought Wells' character development wasn't believable, because I do think it was, but when it came to the suddenly letting someone into his life so easily that came as the harder to believe.
If you're looking for a fun, sports rom-com, I would definitely recommend this one. It was pretty funny and entertaining.
Compass Points by Jillian Witt
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Compass Points is a fae story incorporating the different elemental magics per point. Our main character, Rose, lives in a rural mountain town, forging magical weapons and keeping to herself. But when one of the Compass Points comes calling for her abilities in hopes to fight the mist plague, Rose must return to the one place she said she never would. As her past is uncovered, Rose must face it head on, all while she navigates what it might mean to fall for one of the most powerful fae in the land.
I really enjoyed listening to this story as an audiobook. I was engaged in the story and wanted to know more about Rose and what lay in her past, and how she would overcome it. I also love a good slow burn romance, which this has, and was very satisfactory. I liked Rose and Ari's banter, as it kept a light element throughout the story. I did want to know more about Luke, but as it was a single POV story, I hope we get more about him in the next book.
Where I felt the pacing was good for the most part, I felt like the action scenes were kind of rushed and a little convenient. I wasn't ever really fearing for any of the characters' lives, where I felt like there should have been maybe a bit more controversy or conflict in these moments to add more tension.
I am excited to see where the story goes and how things will pan out! I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys fae stories with elemental magic and slow burn romance.
I really enjoyed listening to this story as an audiobook. I was engaged in the story and wanted to know more about Rose and what lay in her past, and how she would overcome it. I also love a good slow burn romance, which this has, and was very satisfactory. I liked Rose and Ari's banter, as it kept a light element throughout the story. I did want to know more about Luke, but as it was a single POV story, I hope we get more about him in the next book.
Where I felt the pacing was good for the most part, I felt like the action scenes were kind of rushed and a little convenient. I wasn't ever really fearing for any of the characters' lives, where I felt like there should have been maybe a bit more controversy or conflict in these moments to add more tension.
I am excited to see where the story goes and how things will pan out! I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys fae stories with elemental magic and slow burn romance.
The Cursed Soul by K.C. Smith
adventurous
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
*Thank you to KC Smith for the beautiful hardcover copy!*
The Cursed Soul is a duel POV story of Doraan, a man with his crew who have been cursed for 10 years to never step foot on land again, and Kamira, a runaway Sorceress in hiding. Sorcerers have been nearly wiped clean from Emmoria's lands, and even though Doraan has no love for them, he feels as though they are his only answer on how to break the curse. When Kamira flees her unfortunate situation and stows away on the first ship she comes upon, it just so happens to be The Cursed Soul. Without revealing who she is, Kamira tries to blend into the pirate life, but when the truths start unraveling, the two realize that maybe they are what the other needs.
This Davy Jones meets elemental magic tale was very engaging and had me wanting to know how everything would play out. There were certain elements I thought were going to fall into a trope that didn't, and that was pretty refreshing. I like being surprised by what characters do or the consequences of their actions because it feels way more relatable. I really enjoyed the magic system, and the pacing felt pretty comfortable.
I liked the characters, though I did wish we had a bit more gradual growth for both of them. I felt that Doraan kind of had a switch that got flipped instead of leaning on the knob, if that makes sense. Kamira also did a LOT of eye-rolling, which I feel could have been cut down, and maybe a different gesture of frustration could have been used a few times. I also wanted more of the Temple of Gorria! This felt like such a turning point to the story, and it felt so rushed to me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and EXCUSE ME THE ENDING. I need to know more! Can't wait for book 2! I recommend to anyone who enjoys pirate stories with elemental magic and both plot and character driven narrative.
The Cursed Soul is a duel POV story of Doraan, a man with his crew who have been cursed for 10 years to never step foot on land again, and Kamira, a runaway Sorceress in hiding. Sorcerers have been nearly wiped clean from Emmoria's lands, and even though Doraan has no love for them, he feels as though they are his only answer on how to break the curse. When Kamira flees her unfortunate situation and stows away on the first ship she comes upon, it just so happens to be The Cursed Soul. Without revealing who she is, Kamira tries to blend into the pirate life, but when the truths start unraveling, the two realize that maybe they are what the other needs.
This Davy Jones meets elemental magic tale was very engaging and had me wanting to know how everything would play out. There were certain elements I thought were going to fall into a trope that didn't, and that was pretty refreshing. I like being surprised by what characters do or the consequences of their actions because it feels way more relatable. I really enjoyed the magic system, and the pacing felt pretty comfortable.
I liked the characters, though I did wish we had a bit more gradual growth for both of them. I felt that Doraan kind of had a switch that got flipped instead of leaning on the knob, if that makes sense. Kamira also did a LOT of eye-rolling, which I feel could have been cut down, and maybe a different gesture of frustration could have been used a few times. I also wanted more of the Temple of Gorria! This felt like such a turning point to the story, and it felt so rushed to me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and EXCUSE ME THE ENDING. I need to know more! Can't wait for book 2! I recommend to anyone who enjoys pirate stories with elemental magic and both plot and character driven narrative.
Happily Never After by Lynn Painter
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? Yes
4.5
*Thank you Libro.fm for the audio copy!*
Happily Never After was a really sweet rom-com about a wedding objector and the woman who somehow becomes his compatriot of objecting at weddings. There was plenty of slow-burn and sexual tension, and funny side characters to boot. I found myself wanting to know how the story was going to progress and being sad when I had to stop listening for one reason or another. I enjoyed the dual POV of Sophie and Max, and the narrators did a wonderful job.
The unsung hero in this story is definitely Larry. He's hilarious.
I personally would have loved a bit more of a conflict than what was presented towards the end to really make the ending a zinger, but I just felt like it was kind of mundane and not quite enough. There were a few different ways that could have been met, too, but it just kind of fell a little flat for me.
But saying that, I felt like it was a great story about overcoming fear in relationships and to really find a friend to become your partner. And that those around you that really have the best intentions will help you realize what's right in front of you when you might be a little lost yourself.
Happily Never After was a really sweet rom-com about a wedding objector and the woman who somehow becomes his compatriot of objecting at weddings. There was plenty of slow-burn and sexual tension, and funny side characters to boot. I found myself wanting to know how the story was going to progress and being sad when I had to stop listening for one reason or another. I enjoyed the dual POV of Sophie and Max, and the narrators did a wonderful job.
The unsung hero in this story is definitely Larry. He's hilarious.
I personally would have loved a bit more of a conflict than what was presented towards the end to really make the ending a zinger, but I just felt like it was kind of mundane and not quite enough. There were a few different ways that could have been met, too, but it just kind of fell a little flat for me.
But saying that, I felt like it was a great story about overcoming fear in relationships and to really find a friend to become your partner. And that those around you that really have the best intentions will help you realize what's right in front of you when you might be a little lost yourself.
Painted Devils by Margaret Owen
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
WHAT A BOOK.
I don't laugh out loud very often at books, but no joke, Margaret Owen has the funniest sense of humor she lends to her characters. I also thoroughly enjoyed the pop culture references in this book. AND THE TWISTS! If you are reading this review and haven't picked up this series yet, WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING!?
Vanja is a character I relate to so much, not necessarily for the more prominent aspects she shows, you know, the stealing and law breaking, but for some of her feelings and how empathetic she is (even though she'd probably steal everything I have if she heard me say that). Her character growth throughout both Little Thieves and Painted Devils is so realistic and truly heart-wrenching. Seeing her in her vulnerability in this book was really refreshing after we mostly got her hard, jaded side in LT.
Absolutely living for Lady Ambrozsia! I hope we see her in Holy Terrors!
And I loved that we got Ragne back for some of the story! She is one of my faves.
The story progression was so well paced and very engaging. The plot had a lot of surprise twists I'm mad at myself for not figuring out. I love the depth of the world that has been created and am so excited for the short stories and for Holy Terrors to come out!
I highly recommend this series. It has a little bit of everything for a fantasy book and all the wonderful sass and teenage awkwardness you could ever want.
I don't laugh out loud very often at books, but no joke, Margaret Owen has the funniest sense of humor she lends to her characters. I also thoroughly enjoyed the pop culture references in this book. AND THE TWISTS! If you are reading this review and haven't picked up this series yet, WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING!?
Vanja is a character I relate to so much, not necessarily for the more prominent aspects she shows, you know, the stealing and law breaking, but for some of her feelings and how empathetic she is (even though she'd probably steal everything I have if she heard me say that). Her character growth throughout both Little Thieves and Painted Devils is so realistic and truly heart-wrenching. Seeing her in her vulnerability in this book was really refreshing after we mostly got her hard, jaded side in LT.
Absolutely living for Lady Ambrozsia! I hope we see her in Holy Terrors!
And I loved that we got Ragne back for some of the story! She is one of my faves.
The story progression was so well paced and very engaging. The plot had a lot of surprise twists I'm mad at myself for not figuring out. I love the depth of the world that has been created and am so excited for the short stories and for Holy Terrors to come out!
I highly recommend this series. It has a little bit of everything for a fantasy book and all the wonderful sass and teenage awkwardness you could ever want.
The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
*Thank you Libro.fm for the ALC!
The New Couple in 5B was my first Lisa Unger book. It was a mystery/thriller with some paranormal horror sprinkled in, which isn't normally my preference when it comes to mystery/thrillers, but I felt like it wasn't over the top in the paranormal and it worked with the rest of the story. I did find myself wanting to know what happened, though some things I did figure out through the story, and I always like to be surprised. I also felt like the ending was kind of an afterthought and either should have been part of the original climactic scene or left off.
I didn't really feel all that invested in the characters, though I have found that to be true for me personally in many mystery/thrillers. Rosie's blind eye to her husband, Chad, got a little irritating after a while when it was clear to the reader that he was hiding things from her. I wish that there had been a bit more tension between them, I feel like it may have made the last scene feel worth it. I also felt like the middle was kind of slow, but I feel like maybe that was necessary to kind of pull the reader into a false sense of security. And let me just say without really spoiling anything, I called the revelation about Abi (sp? I listened to it, so I'm not sure). And I was always skeptical of the neighbors.
Overall, I had a good time with this story, but I don't see it really sticking with me or ever really going back to it. I would recommend if you're looking for a suspenseful story with some paranormal elements, and where you will be second guessing everyone's motives.
The New Couple in 5B was my first Lisa Unger book. It was a mystery/thriller with some paranormal horror sprinkled in, which isn't normally my preference when it comes to mystery/thrillers, but I felt like it wasn't over the top in the paranormal and it worked with the rest of the story. I did find myself wanting to know what happened, though some things I did figure out through the story, and I always like to be surprised. I also felt like the ending was kind of an afterthought and either should have been part of the original climactic scene or left off.
I didn't really feel all that invested in the characters, though I have found that to be true for me personally in many mystery/thrillers. Rosie's blind eye to her husband, Chad, got a little irritating after a while when it was clear to the reader that he was hiding things from her. I wish that there had been a bit more tension between them, I feel like it may have made the last scene feel worth it. I also felt like the middle was kind of slow, but I feel like maybe that was necessary to kind of pull the reader into a false sense of security. And let me just say without really spoiling anything, I called the revelation about Abi (sp? I listened to it, so I'm not sure). And I was always skeptical of the neighbors.
Overall, I had a good time with this story, but I don't see it really sticking with me or ever really going back to it. I would recommend if you're looking for a suspenseful story with some paranormal elements, and where you will be second guessing everyone's motives.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Miscarriage, Suicide, Terminal illness, Car accident, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
The Last Word by Gerri Lewis
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
*Thank you Libro.fm for the ALC!*
This was one of my first real cozy mystery stories, and I would definitely love to read more in the future! I really enjoyed the ambiance of the story, how there was something to solve but it felt like everyday life and there wasn't anything besides human motive and cover up going on.
I liked the characters well enough. Winter was a very empathetic character within a morbid career, and it really shown through on her trying to investigate what happened to Mrs. Arlington after the police seemed as though they were just going to brush it off as an accident. It helped to unravel some very interesting story plot points about the small town. I also really liked Kip, since he had a bit more human nature to him than most cop characters I've read about in other stories. And of course Diva stole the show! I also really loved Scoop. He seemed like such a golden retriever character.
I really liked how there were plenty of suspects throughout the story, and even though I had some suspicions at the beginning, they weren't completely accurate. The whole story was really enjoyable and I felt that the pacing was appropriate for the type of story that it is.
I would recommend this one if you're looking for a cozy mystery story that has good characters and a lot of suspects.
This was one of my first real cozy mystery stories, and I would definitely love to read more in the future! I really enjoyed the ambiance of the story, how there was something to solve but it felt like everyday life and there wasn't anything besides human motive and cover up going on.
I liked the characters well enough. Winter was a very empathetic character within a morbid career, and it really shown through on her trying to investigate what happened to Mrs. Arlington after the police seemed as though they were just going to brush it off as an accident. It helped to unravel some very interesting story plot points about the small town. I also really liked Kip, since he had a bit more human nature to him than most cop characters I've read about in other stories. And of course Diva stole the show! I also really loved Scoop. He seemed like such a golden retriever character.
I really liked how there were plenty of suspects throughout the story, and even though I had some suspicions at the beginning, they weren't completely accurate. The whole story was really enjoyable and I felt that the pacing was appropriate for the type of story that it is.
I would recommend this one if you're looking for a cozy mystery story that has good characters and a lot of suspects.
Little Thieves by Margaret Owen
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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
Little Thieves is a retelling of the Goose Girl fairytale. Vanja Schmidt has a stolen life. The life of luxury, wealth, and easy comfort, what more could she want? But she knows she has a limited time where this can survive, and she sees using this ruse as a means to an end. But when the Prefects are called in to investigate a string of robberies and as time whittles down, Vanja is backed into a corner. Will she be able to escape the looming curse that has been put on her, or will those who are following her trail catch her before she succeeds?
I was so invested in this story and honestly started reading it slower in hopes it would never end. (SO GLAD THERE WILL BE A SECOND BOOK!) Vanja was such an interesting character, holding her cards close with other characters as well as the reader. I always love when authors succeed in portraying their characters' traits and directing some of that towards the reader, and Owen has done a wonderful job of this. There were small crumbs to her past as Vanja had inner monologues that were fueled by slight panic and fear, and it was so refreshing to have a character whose emotions and story weren't all laid out on the table from the beginning. Her distrust in everyone around her got me in the same mindset, but being able to see that slowly melt away was also what I look for in character growth in books.
This story was driven both by the characters and the hanging axe of a time limit. There were some parts that felt slower than others, but with the writing, it didn't make it boring, which can be hard to do. I found a lot of what Vanja did believable, no matter how trivial something seemed.
I highly recommend Little Thieves if you enjoy fairytale retellings and snarky characters. I enjoyed the world and the connection to the lore of the Godly Court and lesser Gods. This was one of my favorite reads of the year so far!
I was so invested in this story and honestly started reading it slower in hopes it would never end. (SO GLAD THERE WILL BE A SECOND BOOK!) Vanja was such an interesting character, holding her cards close with other characters as well as the reader. I always love when authors succeed in portraying their characters' traits and directing some of that towards the reader, and Owen has done a wonderful job of this. There were small crumbs to her past as Vanja had inner monologues that were fueled by slight panic and fear, and it was so refreshing to have a character whose emotions and story weren't all laid out on the table from the beginning. Her distrust in everyone around her got me in the same mindset, but being able to see that slowly melt away was also what I look for in character growth in books.
This story was driven both by the characters and the hanging axe of a time limit. There were some parts that felt slower than others, but with the writing, it didn't make it boring, which can be hard to do. I found a lot of what Vanja did believable, no matter how trivial something seemed.
I highly recommend Little Thieves if you enjoy fairytale retellings and snarky characters. I enjoyed the world and the connection to the lore of the Godly Court and lesser Gods. This was one of my favorite reads of the year so far!
The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
THIS BOOK!
***Possible spoilers ahead***
I personally don't normally steer towards reading historical fiction, but this book makes me want to pick up more for sure!
I adore Katherine Arden's writing style. She has a way of writing her characters perfectly for the setting they are in, and this is no different. The dialogue and themes throughout this story are extremely time period appropriate and absolutely captivating. Laura was a determined, stubborn, and fiesty FMC, and the characters surrounding her took her strengths to better themselves. Although I have never been part of a war, I could feel the damage the war did to Freddie looking back in Laura's memory of him and how his part of the story played out. I thought the two were a very nice balance for each other, and the way the storylines came together was perfect.
I also loved all of the side characters. They all felt necessary and played important roles, and I really love how Faland was a villain character that wasn't necessarily nefarious. He didn't have that typical villain tantrum, he kind of let the people around him decide their own fates without a ton of interference. It more or less felt like he was more curious about human nature and psychology, though he did try to sway them to stay with him and give over themselves, which in a way is almost a more hardened villain in my opinion.
And can we get an amen for Jones!? I absolutely loved him.
I would highly, highly, highly recommend this to any and all who enjoy historical fiction stories and honestly to anyone who just enjoys a good story. This is definitely going to be a top read for me for the year, and is quite possibly one of my new all time favorites.
***Possible spoilers ahead***
I personally don't normally steer towards reading historical fiction, but this book makes me want to pick up more for sure!
I adore Katherine Arden's writing style. She has a way of writing her characters perfectly for the setting they are in, and this is no different. The dialogue and themes throughout this story are extremely time period appropriate and absolutely captivating. Laura was a determined, stubborn, and fiesty FMC, and the characters surrounding her took her strengths to better themselves. Although I have never been part of a war, I could feel the damage the war did to Freddie looking back in Laura's memory of him and how his part of the story played out. I thought the two were a very nice balance for each other, and the way the storylines came together was perfect.
I also loved all of the side characters. They all felt necessary and played important roles, and I really love how Faland was a villain character that wasn't necessarily nefarious. He didn't have that typical villain tantrum, he kind of let the people around him decide their own fates without a ton of interference. It more or less felt like he was more curious about human nature and psychology, though he did try to sway them to stay with him and give over themselves, which in a way is almost a more hardened villain in my opinion.
And can we get an amen for Jones!? I absolutely loved him.
I would highly, highly, highly recommend this to any and all who enjoy historical fiction stories and honestly to anyone who just enjoys a good story. This is definitely going to be a top read for me for the year, and is quite possibly one of my new all time favorites.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Torture and Suicide attempt
Gallant by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
V.E. Schwab is one of my favorite authors of all time, so it's probably no surprise that this gets a high rating from me. Her writing style is so captivating and lovely that I always just get sucked into her stories.
Olivia was such a unique character of a girl with no audible voice, but with all of the confidence of herself from being considered such an outcast and constantly on her own. Although her underlying dreams were to find a place where she was wanted, she was willing to do whatever she needed to to find that. I loved when we found out she could see ghouls that it was done in such a matter-of-fact way that it just felt right in the world that was built. And the descriptions in this book! I can't even.
I only felt like the pacing was a little off. I personally like a more drawn out climax to the ending and resolution than what was given in this story. It was still done very well, but it did feel slightly rushed at the end.
I recommend to anyone who likes strong female MCs, paranormal elements, and beautiful descriptive narrative.
Olivia was such a unique character of a girl with no audible voice, but with all of the confidence of herself from being considered such an outcast and constantly on her own. Although her underlying dreams were to find a place where she was wanted, she was willing to do whatever she needed to to find that. I loved when we found out she could see ghouls that it was done in such a matter-of-fact way that it just felt right in the world that was built. And the descriptions in this book! I can't even.
I only felt like the pacing was a little off. I personally like a more drawn out climax to the ending and resolution than what was given in this story. It was still done very well, but it did feel slightly rushed at the end.
I recommend to anyone who likes strong female MCs, paranormal elements, and beautiful descriptive narrative.