Scan barcode
fadingapple's reviews
461 reviews
Lord of the Empty Isles by Jules Arbeaux
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
This was so much fun and I really enjoyed it. It was a super fun sci-fi with a lot of emotion and important topics wrapped in an almost wild-west outerspace setting.
The author touches on a lot of things - government corruption, destruction of the planet, greed, challenging prejudices, sibling loss....it's a complex story with important talking points but it's honestly a lot of fun. The characters are flawed and interesting and have a lot of really great character development. I never quite knew what was going to happen or who was going to die, splitting between laughing and sudden brutal violence.
This was a unique story unlike anything else I've experienced - super fun and one I absolutely recommend!
This was so much fun and I really enjoyed it. It was a super fun sci-fi with a lot of emotion and important topics wrapped in an almost wild-west outerspace setting.
The author touches on a lot of things - government corruption, destruction of the planet, greed, challenging prejudices, sibling loss....it's a complex story with important talking points but it's honestly a lot of fun. The characters are flawed and interesting and have a lot of really great character development. I never quite knew what was going to happen or who was going to die, splitting between laughing and sudden brutal violence.
This was a unique story unlike anything else I've experienced - super fun and one I absolutely recommend!
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.75
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
4.75/5 stars
I absolutely LOVED this, as I expected to because T. Kingfisher is a beast. This was the perfect blend of dark and creepy but also beautiful and funny - the unique mix that I've only really experienced with Kingfisher. The characters were rich and unique and the story had my attention from the beginning. I was invested and curious and couldn't ever 100% figure it out, but I wasn't confused either.
I loved every bit of this and I think anyone that enjoys a good mystery with some humor and dark fairytale elements will LOVE this too.
As for the audio production, the voice actors were amazing and perfectly captured their characters - amazing!
4.75/5 stars
I absolutely LOVED this, as I expected to because T. Kingfisher is a beast. This was the perfect blend of dark and creepy but also beautiful and funny - the unique mix that I've only really experienced with Kingfisher. The characters were rich and unique and the story had my attention from the beginning. I was invested and curious and couldn't ever 100% figure it out, but I wasn't confused either.
I loved every bit of this and I think anyone that enjoys a good mystery with some humor and dark fairytale elements will LOVE this too.
As for the audio production, the voice actors were amazing and perfectly captured their characters - amazing!
The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I freaking LOVED this - my favorite of Stuart Turton's books by far, and I loved the other 2!
First, the audio production - fantastic. I loved the narrator and how he represented each character. Soothing and great voice, very well executed narration.
Now, the book. I never really know how to write reviews for Turton's books because they are WILD and describing my thoughts would require spoilers....but let me tell you, you're always in for a wild ride and a lot of fun. The Last Murder at the End of the World felt very Sherlock Holmes or, for a much more modern comparison, The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett (another favorite of mine). It has fascinating characters and a seemingly impossible scenario/murder that never quite leads where you suspect it will. The twists are random and rarely predictable, but they never feel any more far fetched than what you were suspecting either.
It's an absolutely absurd book and mystery, but it does explore a lot about humanity and our vices. It's well mapped out and written and I had an absolute blast listening to/reading it. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but any fan of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christy, Robert Jackson Bennett....you'll love it.
First, the audio production - fantastic. I loved the narrator and how he represented each character. Soothing and great voice, very well executed narration.
Now, the book. I never really know how to write reviews for Turton's books because they are WILD and describing my thoughts would require spoilers....but let me tell you, you're always in for a wild ride and a lot of fun. The Last Murder at the End of the World felt very Sherlock Holmes or, for a much more modern comparison, The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett (another favorite of mine). It has fascinating characters and a seemingly impossible scenario/murder that never quite leads where you suspect it will. The twists are random and rarely predictable, but they never feel any more far fetched than what you were suspecting either.
It's an absolutely absurd book and mystery, but it does explore a lot about humanity and our vices. It's well mapped out and written and I had an absolute blast listening to/reading it. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but any fan of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christy, Robert Jackson Bennett....you'll love it.
Tales of the Celestial Kingdom by Sue Lynn Tan
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved this - short, sweet, and to the point. It was the perfect reentry into the world and lore of The Daughter of the Moon Goddess and it made me really want to reread the original duology. The writing was just as beautiful as the duology and showed, if possible, even more passion and reverence for the original folklore.
I loved getting the perspectives of other main characters and filling in some gaps of events we knew occurred but didn't get to experience. The epilogue especially...oh my heart.
If you love the DOTMG duology, you'll adore this. If you haven't read the duology yet.....what are you waiting for??
I loved getting the perspectives of other main characters and filling in some gaps of events we knew occurred but didn't get to experience. The epilogue especially...oh my heart.
If you love the DOTMG duology, you'll adore this. If you haven't read the duology yet.....what are you waiting for??
The Sword of Kaigen: Deluxe Edition by M.L. Wang
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
I don't think I can say enough about how much I loved this book, even though it left my heart in absolute tatters and I am devastated it is a stand alone. It lived up to every ounce of hype and is definitely a story I will want to return to in years to come.
I really can't say much about this without spoilers, but the emotional roller coaster this book took me on was absolute perfection. It starts slow, building up the foundation of what life on the Sword of Kaigen was like in peace....before it all falls apart. You fall in love (or hate) with these characters at a molecular level, learning everything about them and then they just....well, not all of them survive. And while the beginning is slow and not much action happens, you are enthralled the whole time. The writing is exactly what it needs to be with great pacing, even through the slower pieces.
And oh when the action starts....don't listen to the audiobook while driving, you'll suddenly be crying and that's just dangerous. It's as well written and as brutal as RF Kuang's The Poppy War without some of the gruesome detail that can make it hard to recommend (still one of my fav series, but I hesitate to recommend because of extensive triggers). It's just exactly what I wanted it to be and more - especially as a mother.
Go read this book, you'll thank me (and everyone else on the internet that says this is good).
I really can't say much about this without spoilers, but the emotional roller coaster this book took me on was absolute perfection. It starts slow, building up the foundation of what life on the Sword of Kaigen was like in peace....before it all falls apart. You fall in love (or hate) with these characters at a molecular level, learning everything about them and then they just....well, not all of them survive. And while the beginning is slow and not much action happens, you are enthralled the whole time. The writing is exactly what it needs to be with great pacing, even through the slower pieces.
And oh when the action starts....don't listen to the audiobook while driving, you'll suddenly be crying and that's just dangerous. It's as well written and as brutal as RF Kuang's The Poppy War without some of the gruesome detail that can make it hard to recommend (still one of my fav series, but I hesitate to recommend because of extensive triggers). It's just exactly what I wanted it to be and more - especially as a mother.
Go read this book, you'll thank me (and everyone else on the internet that says this is good).
Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
4.5
4.5/5 stars
I really, really enjoyed this - actually far more than I thought I would. I think my hesitation that the dark fairy tale style has become so oversaturated and it's often nothing special, and while I don't believe this is a specific retelling it had that vibe.
But, I was happy to be proven wrong. This was so well written, excellently crafted, and really just beautiful to experience...even the more horrific pieces. The writing was lyrical and beautiful, the characters had depth, and the forest was rich and lush with descriptions both of landscape and the horrors within.
I actually really loved the dark fairy tale vibes and enjoyed the magic, the love, the lore...all of it. The pacing was perfect and the flow had my attention captured from the first page. Highly recommend this one!
I really, really enjoyed this - actually far more than I thought I would. I think my hesitation that the dark fairy tale style has become so oversaturated and it's often nothing special, and while I don't believe this is a specific retelling it had that vibe.
But, I was happy to be proven wrong. This was so well written, excellently crafted, and really just beautiful to experience...even the more horrific pieces. The writing was lyrical and beautiful, the characters had depth, and the forest was rich and lush with descriptions both of landscape and the horrors within.
I actually really loved the dark fairy tale vibes and enjoyed the magic, the love, the lore...all of it. The pacing was perfect and the flow had my attention captured from the first page. Highly recommend this one!
The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid
3.0
I really wanted to love this and while I did like it, I definitely didn't love it. I didn't feel like I had enough background in the beginning to really understand what was happening or why I should care, other than the government was taking a girl from a village like they do every few years. It took a long time for me to understand what was happening and why and by then, it was far enough into the plot that it was hard to be fully invested.
The romance felt like an after thought as well - I didn't really, fully buy into their love story. And then there were some inconsistencies..."I'll never be able to shoot a bow again" but a few pages later is hunting with a bow...I get there was magic involved but that didn't feel like a gap bridged. He's a terrible hunter but then he can fight, and the only explanation is along the lines of "gone was the poor woodsman"...again, I could have missed it but this just felt like a forced change to make plot work.
Overall I thin it was a great concept and super interesting world, but I think it was lacking depth where it was needed to really make it feel cohesive and believable, and to make me fully invested from the start. Not bad, but not great either.
The romance felt like an after thought as well - I didn't really, fully buy into their love story. And then there were some inconsistencies..."I'll never be able to shoot a bow again" but a few pages later is hunting with a bow...I get there was magic involved but that didn't feel like a gap bridged. He's a terrible hunter but then he can fight, and the only explanation is along the lines of "gone was the poor woodsman"...again, I could have missed it but this just felt like a forced change to make plot work.
Overall I thin it was a great concept and super interesting world, but I think it was lacking depth where it was needed to really make it feel cohesive and believable, and to make me fully invested from the start. Not bad, but not great either.
A Fate Inked In Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
4.25/5 stars
This was absolutely awesome, so much fun! I love the Norse history and I mean, who doesn't love Vikings? The slow-burn and yearning was on point and the writing was great. I did find some of the "plot twists" fairly predictable, but they were still executed very well.
I didn't love Freya referring to her genitals as her "sex" most of the time...but maybe that's just me, since I've never heard it referred to that way before. It makes sense, just felt weird! But other than that this was well written, super fun, and most definitely the definition of slow burn yearning. It was so well done and very well paced.
I think anyone that loves Norse mythology and/or fantasy romance will fall in love with this one. And I am most definitely dying for the sequel!
This was absolutely awesome, so much fun! I love the Norse history and I mean, who doesn't love Vikings? The slow-burn and yearning was on point and the writing was great. I did find some of the "plot twists" fairly predictable, but they were still executed very well.
I didn't love Freya referring to her genitals as her "sex" most of the time...but maybe that's just me, since I've never heard it referred to that way before. It makes sense, just felt weird! But other than that this was well written, super fun, and most definitely the definition of slow burn yearning. It was so well done and very well paced.
I think anyone that loves Norse mythology and/or fantasy romance will fall in love with this one. And I am most definitely dying for the sequel!
The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? No
4.75
4.75/5 stars
This was such a perfect historical fantasy. It broken my heart, it made me smile, it left me in wonder and awe - both in regards to magic and human cruelty. The writing was stunning, the plot held my attention from start to finish, and I adored the characters.
This is such an amazing story - and I love that it was set in WWI, an oft overlooked wartime. I know personally I've read several books about WWII, The Revolutionary War, and the Civil War...but I don't know I had ever read a book solo focused on WWI before this one. I especially appreciated Arden's note at the end about that, how WWI is often forgotten and all the research she did to write this book.
As much as I loved the story, the history, and the characters - it all paled in comparison to the writing. Arden's lyrical but down-to-earth writing will twist your heart and your soul, give you visions as if you were there, and leave you feeling as though you've read a symphony in story form. Truly one of my favorite writing styles I've encountered.
Highly highly recommend this one!
This was such a perfect historical fantasy. It broken my heart, it made me smile, it left me in wonder and awe - both in regards to magic and human cruelty. The writing was stunning, the plot held my attention from start to finish, and I adored the characters.
This is such an amazing story - and I love that it was set in WWI, an oft overlooked wartime. I know personally I've read several books about WWII, The Revolutionary War, and the Civil War...but I don't know I had ever read a book solo focused on WWI before this one. I especially appreciated Arden's note at the end about that, how WWI is often forgotten and all the research she did to write this book.
As much as I loved the story, the history, and the characters - it all paled in comparison to the writing. Arden's lyrical but down-to-earth writing will twist your heart and your soul, give you visions as if you were there, and leave you feeling as though you've read a symphony in story form. Truly one of my favorite writing styles I've encountered.
Highly highly recommend this one!
The Brides of High Hill by Nghi Vo
4.0
This was unexpected, refreshing, unique, impactful - in very few pages. At roughly 100 pages, this novella packs a powerful punch that will leave you feeling fully satisfied and yet thoughtful. This is a story you have to experience - my words or descriptions would be far insufficient.
I adore the concept of a scholar monk travelling to gather stories to add to the archives, and using that knowledge to survive situations that should not be survivable. This addition leans much more heavily into the lore and magic that is extremely real in this world - Chih finds themselves in a tricky situation and it's only dumb luck, Almost Brilliant, and their collective stories that save them. It felt different than the other stories but just as captivating.
It's just so well done and extremely obvious that Vo knew the story she wanted to tell and had a passion for it; it takes a special kind of skill to write so much in so few words.
I adore the concept of a scholar monk travelling to gather stories to add to the archives, and using that knowledge to survive situations that should not be survivable. This addition leans much more heavily into the lore and magic that is extremely real in this world - Chih finds themselves in a tricky situation and it's only dumb luck, Almost Brilliant, and their collective stories that save them. It felt different than the other stories but just as captivating.
It's just so well done and extremely obvious that Vo knew the story she wanted to tell and had a passion for it; it takes a special kind of skill to write so much in so few words.