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inkslinger's reviews
356 reviews
Hidden by Shalini Boland
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
'Hidden' by Shalini Boland is a dual pov, cross century story about a girl and her brother who are just barely getting by in the foster system. Madison is of course, a bit of an outcast. She wears a lot of dark clothing and has little money. Lately, stress also has her acting out at school.
Just when things seem about at their worst, the siblings inherit wealth and a house. As the eldest, she's in charge of their fortune, guided by a solicitor representing the estate of their ancestors. But there's always a catch.
Alexandre is a feisty Frenchman who always seems to find himself in trouble. Also the eldest of his family, he's expected to set a good example and maintain a good reputation for his own siblings as they come into their own. Easier said than done.
After upsetting another group of nobles, he and his family leave town for a bit on the trip of a lifetime. Off to Turkey on a career making archaelogical expedition, his sister doesn't even want to go. She finds the entire idea off-putting and boring, but has no choice other than to accompany them.
What I love about this tale is the origin story for the vampires. It's uncommon to see authors dig deep (no pun intended) for their characters turning points, but Boland does this in a way that's almost reminiscent of the vampire queen herself, Anne Rice.
Boland excels at the backstory, the social structure of the world she builds for that time, and the dialogue is well-done. Even Madison and Ben's backstory is handled pretty well. I find them to be less interesting characters in general, but largely because they are mostly stereotypes. They're still likable and you want to see them succeed.
I enjoyed the way the two timelines were written, with the dual-narrations coinciding with each other.. drawing closer and closer until they merged. It's at this point I think the story struggled a little, however.
Somewhere, Alexander's personality got lost when he was put in the modern setting. Dialogue didn't mesh well and chemistry could have been better between the pair. Madison's reactions flipped in moments, in ways that didn't feel authentic.
Nonetheless, I am looking forward to trying book two. It's possible that since this is just the first in the series, Boland hadn't fully settled into her groove yet and as it had a ton of potential, I'm hopeful the improvements will show themselves there.
Still, it was a solid enough read if you don't mind a slow pace. I think Alex could be lovely.
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
Just when things seem about at their worst, the siblings inherit wealth and a house. As the eldest, she's in charge of their fortune, guided by a solicitor representing the estate of their ancestors. But there's always a catch.
Alexandre is a feisty Frenchman who always seems to find himself in trouble. Also the eldest of his family, he's expected to set a good example and maintain a good reputation for his own siblings as they come into their own. Easier said than done.
After upsetting another group of nobles, he and his family leave town for a bit on the trip of a lifetime. Off to Turkey on a career making archaelogical expedition, his sister doesn't even want to go. She finds the entire idea off-putting and boring, but has no choice other than to accompany them.
What I love about this tale is the origin story for the vampires. It's uncommon to see authors dig deep (no pun intended) for their characters turning points, but Boland does this in a way that's almost reminiscent of the vampire queen herself, Anne Rice.
Boland excels at the backstory, the social structure of the world she builds for that time, and the dialogue is well-done. Even Madison and Ben's backstory is handled pretty well. I find them to be less interesting characters in general, but largely because they are mostly stereotypes. They're still likable and you want to see them succeed.
I enjoyed the way the two timelines were written, with the dual-narrations coinciding with each other.. drawing closer and closer until they merged. It's at this point I think the story struggled a little, however.
Somewhere, Alexander's personality got lost when he was put in the modern setting. Dialogue didn't mesh well and chemistry could have been better between the pair. Madison's reactions flipped in moments, in ways that didn't feel authentic.
Nonetheless, I am looking forward to trying book two. It's possible that since this is just the first in the series, Boland hadn't fully settled into her groove yet and as it had a ton of potential, I'm hopeful the improvements will show themselves there.
Still, it was a solid enough read if you don't mind a slow pace. I think Alex could be lovely.
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
Spell Bound by F.T. Lukens
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? Yes
5.0
On the surface, this story might just look like a simple story about magic and unplanned romantic entanglements, but it's so much more.
Rook is a brilliant kid, near the end of probably the roughest year he's experienced. He's lost his only relative and been thrust out of the only community he knows. Alone and feeling untethered, he's got a plan to work his way back in. His biggest problem is that none of it is legal.
Despite his situation, he's almost relentlessly positive and incredibly determined to succeed. He's a warm, lovely character who's quick to banter and tries hard to respect personal boundaries, even if he's not as good about that where his boss' work is concerned.
Antonia is his boss. A tremendously powerful sorceress, though she rejects him at first, she ends up taking him on. She's got a history of her own to contend with and she sees something in him at their first meeting that slips beyond her infamously prickly defenses.
I love Antonia and her penchant for bucking the rules. If I'm being honest though, it'd be difficult for me to choose a favorite amongst my top three characters in this book. They're all relatable in their own ways.
Sun. Their name couldn't be more ironic, as they're the grumpy to Rook's sunshine. Largely though, their grumpiness is a defense mechanism. They have a serious need for personal space and they typically struggle to grasp social situations, resulting in them sort of always being on edge. Experience has them expecting ridicule instead of empathy, but they are kind and care so deeply for those they let in.
While this read is mostly light and fun, there are a lot of important topics touched upon too. There are lessons to be learned about gatekeeping, different types of adversity, similarities between diverse people, familial structure, even questioning societal norms.
The story is endearing and I can't wait to read another title from F.T. Lukens because this one really won my heart. Though at first glance, it doesn't 'appear' to be as complex as most titles that I give five star ratings, that complexity is just delivered in a softer.. more reader friendly package. The characters are well-developed, the plot progresses nicely, and there's a lot of diverse representation included amongst the cast of characters.. much of it is never called out.. but rather treated with normalcy and respect.
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
Rook is a brilliant kid, near the end of probably the roughest year he's experienced. He's lost his only relative and been thrust out of the only community he knows. Alone and feeling untethered, he's got a plan to work his way back in. His biggest problem is that none of it is legal.
Despite his situation, he's almost relentlessly positive and incredibly determined to succeed. He's a warm, lovely character who's quick to banter and tries hard to respect personal boundaries, even if he's not as good about that where his boss' work is concerned.
Antonia is his boss. A tremendously powerful sorceress, though she rejects him at first, she ends up taking him on. She's got a history of her own to contend with and she sees something in him at their first meeting that slips beyond her infamously prickly defenses.
I love Antonia and her penchant for bucking the rules. If I'm being honest though, it'd be difficult for me to choose a favorite amongst my top three characters in this book. They're all relatable in their own ways.
Sun. Their name couldn't be more ironic, as they're the grumpy to Rook's sunshine. Largely though, their grumpiness is a defense mechanism. They have a serious need for personal space and they typically struggle to grasp social situations, resulting in them sort of always being on edge. Experience has them expecting ridicule instead of empathy, but they are kind and care so deeply for those they let in.
While this read is mostly light and fun, there are a lot of important topics touched upon too. There are lessons to be learned about gatekeeping, different types of adversity, similarities between diverse people, familial structure, even questioning societal norms.
The story is endearing and I can't wait to read another title from F.T. Lukens because this one really won my heart. Though at first glance, it doesn't 'appear' to be as complex as most titles that I give five star ratings, that complexity is just delivered in a softer.. more reader friendly package. The characters are well-developed, the plot progresses nicely, and there's a lot of diverse representation included amongst the cast of characters.. much of it is never called out.. but rather treated with normalcy and respect.
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
Of Love and Forge by Carly Spade
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It's probably been a year since one of my coven sisters (Rachel or Willow, I know it was one of you, forgive me lol) first brought Carly Spade's books to my attention. At the time it was Hades, which is a character I love in just about any retelling and I still haven't gotten to that book. So, I jumped at the chance to read 'Of Love and Forge,' when it came up in the tour email and I'm so glad I did!
This book is a lot of fun. Just a great romp through a city with cyberpunk vibes where people are enhanced to the nines and barely bat an eye at whatever wild thing is going down nearby.
From a writing standpoint, it's very light, simple, and straightforward. The story moves quickly, the plot isn't overly complex, but there are layers to the lead characters. There's lots of great banter between them, interspersed with action sequences, and some smoldering interactions as well.
I love, love Heph. He's hot as would be expected, a bit grumbly, but with a definite vulnerable side. He's got this wall built from the image as the world has made him see himself, other gods included.. but there's so much more to him than meets the eye.
Ro, as he likes to call her, should be an out of touch personality probably, but despite her spoiled goddess behavior here and there, she's extremely likable and surprisingly relatable at times. She really tries to complicate things for him in the beginning and you come to see that's just the kind of relationship they have had over the centuries.
If you're looking for a break from heavier reads, want to sit down and have a good time, this would be a great book to pick up. It's pretty fast-paced and enjoyable.
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
This book is a lot of fun. Just a great romp through a city with cyberpunk vibes where people are enhanced to the nines and barely bat an eye at whatever wild thing is going down nearby.
From a writing standpoint, it's very light, simple, and straightforward. The story moves quickly, the plot isn't overly complex, but there are layers to the lead characters. There's lots of great banter between them, interspersed with action sequences, and some smoldering interactions as well.
I love, love Heph. He's hot as would be expected, a bit grumbly, but with a definite vulnerable side. He's got this wall built from the image as the world has made him see himself, other gods included.. but there's so much more to him than meets the eye.
Ro, as he likes to call her, should be an out of touch personality probably, but despite her spoiled goddess behavior here and there, she's extremely likable and surprisingly relatable at times. She really tries to complicate things for him in the beginning and you come to see that's just the kind of relationship they have had over the centuries.
If you're looking for a break from heavier reads, want to sit down and have a good time, this would be a great book to pick up. It's pretty fast-paced and enjoyable.
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker
dark
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
This book has all the earmarks of a great story.. a family steeped in tragedy, rich culture, a regional setting that always draws my attention, and plenty of societal intrigue. Well-written and moderately-paced, it moves well without leaving the reader behind.
Cris and Clem, the twins at the forefront of the Trudeau family, are both likable, easily relatable characters. Though they have strongly differing opinions at times and tend to bicker like only a brother and sister can, it's easy to see the bond between them. Their priorities align. Family comes first.
Both of the siblings have something they're struggling with and I found them to be sympathetic, but never weak.
The magic system is well thought out, inspired obviously by known ritual magics, but presented in an interesting way. Generational magic is a gift, not a guarantee by birthright. Not everyone can conjure and certainly not as strongly as everyone else, which leaves for some very vengeful rivalries.
The familial warmth is honestly my favorite part of the story. I had really hoped for more of that New Orleans feel, but what little ambience of the fabled city existed.. was a little late to the party for me and not a frequent enough visitor. Though it resulted in me being less immersed and invested, it was still enjoyable.
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
Cris and Clem, the twins at the forefront of the Trudeau family, are both likable, easily relatable characters. Though they have strongly differing opinions at times and tend to bicker like only a brother and sister can, it's easy to see the bond between them. Their priorities align. Family comes first.
Both of the siblings have something they're struggling with and I found them to be sympathetic, but never weak.
The magic system is well thought out, inspired obviously by known ritual magics, but presented in an interesting way. Generational magic is a gift, not a guarantee by birthright. Not everyone can conjure and certainly not as strongly as everyone else, which leaves for some very vengeful rivalries.
The familial warmth is honestly my favorite part of the story. I had really hoped for more of that New Orleans feel, but what little ambience of the fabled city existed.. was a little late to the party for me and not a frequent enough visitor. Though it resulted in me being less immersed and invested, it was still enjoyable.
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
Mysteries of Thorn Manor by Margaret Rogerson
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
'Mysteries of Thorn Manor' is the follow-up novella to 'Sorcery of Thorns' and while I realize I've spoiled a bit of book one for myself, admittedly I'm even more eager to read it than I was before. This author's work is well-rounded, filled with whimsy where it fits, remarkable creativity, and just the right amount of dark, foreboding energy.
While there's plenty of familiar themes incorporated within the world-building, the details really shine. Specifically, I found the way the grimoires.. and in general.. magic just left to its own devices for too long, was brilliantly handled. I adore the concepts of space and time.. and the chaotic nature of Rogerson's magic.
Nathaniel is lovely and just my type. He's got the tragic backstory, he's armored with deflection through humor, and he's been left damaged by his past. Damaged, but not broken. Elisabeth, while occasionally displaying traits I'm not wild about in female leads, is still a great character. She's kind and warm, mostly relatable, and has a tendency to sometimes take the blunt approach to a problem. The latter of which is really opposite her usual behavior and gives her a streak of unpredictability I quite enjoy.
All that aside, for some reason Silas is still my favorite character in the story. His actions are in direct conflict with everything he says of himself. Even his darker truths have origin in loyalty, making his choices about how to carry out what he needs to do completely palatable to me. Perhaps strangely, I'm deeply moved by him and I really hope there will be another story to come. There certainly seems to be room for one at the end of the novella.
Though I think I own all of Rogerson's books, in some cases.. more than one copy, this is the first of them I've read and I absolutely loved it.
(I received this title as a gift. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
While there's plenty of familiar themes incorporated within the world-building, the details really shine. Specifically, I found the way the grimoires.. and in general.. magic just left to its own devices for too long, was brilliantly handled. I adore the concepts of space and time.. and the chaotic nature of Rogerson's magic.
Nathaniel is lovely and just my type. He's got the tragic backstory, he's armored with deflection through humor, and he's been left damaged by his past. Damaged, but not broken. Elisabeth, while occasionally displaying traits I'm not wild about in female leads, is still a great character. She's kind and warm, mostly relatable, and has a tendency to sometimes take the blunt approach to a problem. The latter of which is really opposite her usual behavior and gives her a streak of unpredictability I quite enjoy.
All that aside, for some reason Silas is still my favorite character in the story. His actions are in direct conflict with everything he says of himself. Even his darker truths have origin in loyalty, making his choices about how to carry out what he needs to do completely palatable to me. Perhaps strangely, I'm deeply moved by him and I really hope there will be another story to come. There certainly seems to be room for one at the end of the novella.
Though I think I own all of Rogerson's books, in some cases.. more than one copy, this is the first of them I've read and I absolutely loved it.
(I received this title as a gift. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
Direwood by Catherine Yu
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
You had me at velvet-clad vampire.
I loved Padraic, both the name and the aesthetic of him as a character. He's easily my favorite part of the story and whenever he enters a scene it's automatically more interesting. In part due to my own romanticization of this style of vampire, but also because there's a visible shift whenever he graces the page. He's charismatic and intriguing from moment he utters his first words, if somewhat disturbing at times.
He's not the only protagonist here to play of course and that keeps things interesting.
Aja was just okay for me. She's another 'my perfect sister/I'm the outcast' character, which personally I find is far too prevalent in these types of tales. I do realize though, this is sometimes the personal experience of the writer and perhaps instead.. it's far too common a feeling within families, which is sad.
Thematically, I enjoyed the gothic horror elements Yu employed. The red rain and the creepy insects were a great addition to setting the feel of the story. I may never get out of my mind's eye the images of the butterflies.. so it's visually impactful in a long-lasting way.
Though the story is Young Adult Horror, at times it feels younger. Yu has a ton of creative potential and I'd like to see her develop characters a bit more and flex her use of language in future works.
If you're looking for a quick read with some unnerving horror elements, give this one a try.
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
I loved Padraic, both the name and the aesthetic of him as a character. He's easily my favorite part of the story and whenever he enters a scene it's automatically more interesting. In part due to my own romanticization of this style of vampire, but also because there's a visible shift whenever he graces the page. He's charismatic and intriguing from moment he utters his first words, if somewhat disturbing at times.
He's not the only protagonist here to play of course and that keeps things interesting.
Aja was just okay for me. She's another 'my perfect sister/I'm the outcast' character, which personally I find is far too prevalent in these types of tales. I do realize though, this is sometimes the personal experience of the writer and perhaps instead.. it's far too common a feeling within families, which is sad.
Thematically, I enjoyed the gothic horror elements Yu employed. The red rain and the creepy insects were a great addition to setting the feel of the story. I may never get out of my mind's eye the images of the butterflies.. so it's visually impactful in a long-lasting way.
Though the story is Young Adult Horror, at times it feels younger. Yu has a ton of creative potential and I'd like to see her develop characters a bit more and flex her use of language in future works.
If you're looking for a quick read with some unnerving horror elements, give this one a try.
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
The Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
When I first came across The Witch and the Tsar in the releases for this year, I had a feeling it was going to be something special and Gilmore does not disappoint.
It is at it's core, a historical fiction fantasy based around some 'what-if' scenarios with the Romanov family, following the path of the folklore legend, Baba Yaga. The immortal witch is nothing like the hideous descriptions she's known as and Anastasia, now all grown up with a family of her own, is everything the hearts of those who deify her believe she could have become.
Yaga is a strong, genuinely independent female protagonist, who manages to wield power with empathy and kindness and still come across as someone who can hold their own in most situations. She's indelibly human, despite being a demi-goddess.. capable of mistakes that are all too relatable, but she learns and adapts, persevering throughout them.
Gilmore paints a stunning picture of both the beauty and brutality of sixteenth century Russia. From the architecture of old Moscow to the trenches of what is ultimately civil war, her prose is eloquent, yet not overly flowery. There's a coolness to the Eastern European storytelling style that I just love, which tends more toward the discussion of feelings than the dramatic expression of them. There are moments of course, where both occur, but I find the former to make the latter far more impactful than in a story where the main character is constantly on an emotional rollercoaster.
The magic system is creative and diverse. That which seems good or evil might simply be leveraged in some way, as the development of even many of the briefest meetings we get with characters is rich with substance and vitality.
I absolutely loved this book. If you like complex layered storytelling, characters that aren't always what they seem, dark fantasy, and Slavic themes.. give this one a try. You'll be glad you did.
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
It is at it's core, a historical fiction fantasy based around some 'what-if' scenarios with the Romanov family, following the path of the folklore legend, Baba Yaga. The immortal witch is nothing like the hideous descriptions she's known as and Anastasia, now all grown up with a family of her own, is everything the hearts of those who deify her believe she could have become.
Yaga is a strong, genuinely independent female protagonist, who manages to wield power with empathy and kindness and still come across as someone who can hold their own in most situations. She's indelibly human, despite being a demi-goddess.. capable of mistakes that are all too relatable, but she learns and adapts, persevering throughout them.
Gilmore paints a stunning picture of both the beauty and brutality of sixteenth century Russia. From the architecture of old Moscow to the trenches of what is ultimately civil war, her prose is eloquent, yet not overly flowery. There's a coolness to the Eastern European storytelling style that I just love, which tends more toward the discussion of feelings than the dramatic expression of them. There are moments of course, where both occur, but I find the former to make the latter far more impactful than in a story where the main character is constantly on an emotional rollercoaster.
The magic system is creative and diverse. That which seems good or evil might simply be leveraged in some way, as the development of even many of the briefest meetings we get with characters is rich with substance and vitality.
I absolutely loved this book. If you like complex layered storytelling, characters that aren't always what they seem, dark fantasy, and Slavic themes.. give this one a try. You'll be glad you did.
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
Nothing quite feeds the soul like a good Faustian bargain tale.
I know I'm very late getting to read 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' by V.E. Schwab, but last year was a wild ride and though it remained top of the 'things I want to do' list.. it just didn't happen.
Nonetheless, I'm glad I kept working toward having time for this read.
You know.. it's funny, as a rule.. I'm not a fan of 'historical fiction,' but Schwab doesn't rely on the language of old to set the time period. She creates that through vivid imagery of the world around Addie.. both the visuals of those small towns and big cities.. and the textures of life within them.
Deep down, I think Addie speaks to most of us. Whether we want to admit it or not, we know that path is short.. and often by circumstance, it's more limited in where it might take us than we would want it to be. I understand making hard decisions that lead to deeper struggle in order to step off those given paths and start creating one of your own. I understand the desire for legacy and all the ways one can mean that.
Throughout this story, Schwab does a beautiful job of dancing between eras. Shifting the narrative timeline effortlessly, she never loses the reader's interest or leaves you in a position where you need to go back and re-read to understand something. She leads you expertly along, developing every inch of her literary space. From Addie, to Luc and Henry, to Henry's friends and beyond.. the relationships are like the surface of a lake.. rippling ever outward from the core of her tale. All connected, all consistent, all consuming.
This was my first V.E. Schwab read, but it most certainly will not be my last. While the book felt dense, every few pages leaving me kind of exhausted.. it wasn't because it was slow. The pacing was perfect actually. There was simply so much emotional content to process, that it really took me to the mat.. so to speak.
I'm not sure I fell for the character that I was supposed to, but maybe I'm not alone out here. Addie was lovely in the way she constantly strived for more.. in the way she refused to back down.. and fought for what she wanted. Henry.. oh Henry was indeed a bit of a heartbreaker.. and those of you who have read the story know why. But Luc.. I am most sad and weary over Luc.. is that wrong?
Anyway, this beautiful book was worth every moment. It makes me glad I invested in.. oh I don't know.. probably 8-10 copies or so? Gallant.. here I come.
I know I'm very late getting to read 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' by V.E. Schwab, but last year was a wild ride and though it remained top of the 'things I want to do' list.. it just didn't happen.
Nonetheless, I'm glad I kept working toward having time for this read.
You know.. it's funny, as a rule.. I'm not a fan of 'historical fiction,' but Schwab doesn't rely on the language of old to set the time period. She creates that through vivid imagery of the world around Addie.. both the visuals of those small towns and big cities.. and the textures of life within them.
Deep down, I think Addie speaks to most of us. Whether we want to admit it or not, we know that path is short.. and often by circumstance, it's more limited in where it might take us than we would want it to be. I understand making hard decisions that lead to deeper struggle in order to step off those given paths and start creating one of your own. I understand the desire for legacy and all the ways one can mean that.
Throughout this story, Schwab does a beautiful job of dancing between eras. Shifting the narrative timeline effortlessly, she never loses the reader's interest or leaves you in a position where you need to go back and re-read to understand something. She leads you expertly along, developing every inch of her literary space. From Addie, to Luc and Henry, to Henry's friends and beyond.. the relationships are like the surface of a lake.. rippling ever outward from the core of her tale. All connected, all consistent, all consuming.
This was my first V.E. Schwab read, but it most certainly will not be my last. While the book felt dense, every few pages leaving me kind of exhausted.. it wasn't because it was slow. The pacing was perfect actually. There was simply so much emotional content to process, that it really took me to the mat.. so to speak.
I'm not sure I fell for the character that I was supposed to, but maybe I'm not alone out here. Addie was lovely in the way she constantly strived for more.. in the way she refused to back down.. and fought for what she wanted. Henry.. oh Henry was indeed a bit of a heartbreaker.. and those of you who have read the story know why. But Luc.. I am most sad and weary over Luc.. is that wrong?
Anyway, this beautiful book was worth every moment. It makes me glad I invested in.. oh I don't know.. probably 8-10 copies or so? Gallant.. here I come.
House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
I feel like we waited forever to get our hands on the second Crescent City book, House of Sky and Breath, by Sarah J. Maas. I know it wasn't actually that long, but I'd become so attached to the characters and so much was left hanging in the balance that it was definitely my most eagerly awaited sequel this year.
She certainly didn't disappoint in regards to content, the book is chock full of action and drama.. in fact, a lot happens within the scope of just one book.. and all my favorite characters make an appearance. Well, the surviving ones thus far. Plus, I got to know some really intriguing new ones.. and not all of them are pleasant.
As I said, Maas really covered a lot of ground from a plot perspective. I don't feel like anything left from book one was really tied up, but this is a middle book and I'm fine with that. In fact, I almost feel like too much happened because there were scenes I think could have and should have played out in more detail. Scenes which could have really impacted me emotionally like the first book did, but instead.. I had one moment of dread toward the end and then it was over.
It's important to remember that it's really difficult to balance such a huge cast of characters and a story with so many diverging plotlines. Honestly, I'm impressed Maas can keep it all straight. I feel like even with a pinboard of note cards looking like I was on an FBI taskforce, I'd still miss things.
That being said, I think book two could have benefitted from maybe being spread into the next book. I know we all love Ruhn and wanted more of him, but I also feel like he got a bit short-changed by starting to get some focus in the middle of what's all happening here. Maas is still trying to give the fans a lot of Hunt and Bryce, which is fair.. while introducing us to Ruhn's life a bit more, but there are a lot of side stories going on at the same time.. a lot of seeds being planted for the next book.
In fact, it feels like there's so much going on and so many things being set-up, that almost nothing gets proper focus EXCEPT Hunt and Bryce. It was great to get steamy with them, but I don't know that three scenes were really necessary when so many other things didn't play out in as much detail. There were scenes that could have been so impactful if given enough time and care.
Highlights for me definitely included getting a better look at the familial structures and the ripple effect that Sandriel left behind. I loved the direction Maas went regarding the afterlife, it may have been my favorite aspect of HoSaB.. and the reveals about the Asteri, also fantastic.
Baxian and Pollux are fascinating for different reasons, same with the rest of the 'newcomers.' I am hopeful that Maas will really let some of the characters out to play in the next book, as it felt like she was holding back a bit here. Lots of mention of their histories and reputations, but no real opportunity to see them at work. I feel like I would have a better chance to connect with them.. for better or worse.. if those characters were truly present in who they're painted as being, but even moments where they act out.. feel very half-hearted.
The one problem that I felt was an issue in House of Earth and Blood, does rear its head here too. The big scene near the end is basically a complete download of information during a conversation.. and with all the other great writing.. it just ends up feeling very lazy. But, at least there's some very interesting implications in the final pages..
Regardless, I did love the book and I can't wait for the next one. Here we go again.. the countdown begins.
She certainly didn't disappoint in regards to content, the book is chock full of action and drama.. in fact, a lot happens within the scope of just one book.. and all my favorite characters make an appearance. Well, the surviving ones thus far. Plus, I got to know some really intriguing new ones.. and not all of them are pleasant.
As I said, Maas really covered a lot of ground from a plot perspective. I don't feel like anything left from book one was really tied up, but this is a middle book and I'm fine with that. In fact, I almost feel like too much happened because there were scenes I think could have and should have played out in more detail. Scenes which could have really impacted me emotionally like the first book did, but instead.. I had one moment of dread toward the end and then it was over.
It's important to remember that it's really difficult to balance such a huge cast of characters and a story with so many diverging plotlines. Honestly, I'm impressed Maas can keep it all straight. I feel like even with a pinboard of note cards looking like I was on an FBI taskforce, I'd still miss things.
That being said, I think book two could have benefitted from maybe being spread into the next book. I know we all love Ruhn and wanted more of him, but I also feel like he got a bit short-changed by starting to get some focus in the middle of what's all happening here. Maas is still trying to give the fans a lot of Hunt and Bryce, which is fair.. while introducing us to Ruhn's life a bit more, but there are a lot of side stories going on at the same time.. a lot of seeds being planted for the next book.
In fact, it feels like there's so much going on and so many things being set-up, that almost nothing gets proper focus EXCEPT Hunt and Bryce. It was great to get steamy with them, but I don't know that three scenes were really necessary when so many other things didn't play out in as much detail. There were scenes that could have been so impactful if given enough time and care.
Highlights for me definitely included getting a better look at the familial structures and the ripple effect that Sandriel left behind. I loved the direction Maas went regarding the afterlife, it may have been my favorite aspect of HoSaB.. and the reveals about the Asteri, also fantastic.
Baxian and Pollux are fascinating for different reasons, same with the rest of the 'newcomers.' I am hopeful that Maas will really let some of the characters out to play in the next book, as it felt like she was holding back a bit here. Lots of mention of their histories and reputations, but no real opportunity to see them at work. I feel like I would have a better chance to connect with them.. for better or worse.. if those characters were truly present in who they're painted as being, but even moments where they act out.. feel very half-hearted.
The one problem that I felt was an issue in House of Earth and Blood, does rear its head here too. The big scene near the end is basically a complete download of information during a conversation.. and with all the other great writing.. it just ends up feeling very lazy. But, at least there's some very interesting implications in the final pages..
Regardless, I did love the book and I can't wait for the next one. Here we go again.. the countdown begins.
Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
'Blood Like Magic' by Liselle Sambury follows the story of a young witch named Voya Thomas, who after years of waiting for her coming of age ritual.. a trial referred to as her Calling, ends up failing it.. and failing it spectacularly. When her ancestor gives her an unprecedented second chance.. she accepts.. only to find out it means she has to kill her first love or every Thomas witch will lose their magic.
Determined, not only to secure her own future, but more importantly.. to save her family's magic.. Voya has to quickly find the perfect guy to be her first love. Her plan? Sign up for the brand new genetic matchmaking program, fall in love, and complete her task before the big deadline.
Unfortunately, she's paired with Luc.. an infuriating guy she does not hit it off with. Caught between her personal morals and her blood obligation, if she is going to save both her heritage and Luc, she has to find something her ancestor wants more than blood.
Honestly, I really wanted to love this book. I was excited for it the moment I saw it. The premise is full of potential conflict and witchy happenings, what's not to love?
For me though, Voya is incredibly annoying. No, not just Voya.. the characters in general lack any real sense of depth, but since she's the protagonist.. most of our attention is obviously centered on her. What seems meant to be simple insecurity and indecision is presented in the whiniest, most self-involved package imaginable.
The Calling itself is an interesting concept, if a bit cringey in spots.. though that's only my personal discomfort. Regardless, it is refreshingly original and it's nice to see coming of age tied to physiological changes that are inherently feminine energy.
Though modern society has gotten really obsessed with masculine virility (and there's nothing wrong with that either or any other option), it's important to note that many ancient civilizations worshipped heavily feminine gods. Therefore, in a story throwing back even a hundred years or so and focused on an age old theory like blood magic, it adds that extra something that seems to give the story a bit more kick.
There are definitely some things that are hard to read, but that's made more so because of the root of historical truth in them. Though the specific scene is fictional, obviously there are plenty of horrible actualities it could be drawn from.. and if possible that makes it even more difficult.
Anyway, this book wasn't for me, but the writing is solid and the story is interesting. If you're sensitive to cruelty and violence, you might want to skip a couple of pages though. Otherwise, though I wasn't a fan.. if you like urban fantasy and stories about witches, give it a try.
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
Determined, not only to secure her own future, but more importantly.. to save her family's magic.. Voya has to quickly find the perfect guy to be her first love. Her plan? Sign up for the brand new genetic matchmaking program, fall in love, and complete her task before the big deadline.
Unfortunately, she's paired with Luc.. an infuriating guy she does not hit it off with. Caught between her personal morals and her blood obligation, if she is going to save both her heritage and Luc, she has to find something her ancestor wants more than blood.
Honestly, I really wanted to love this book. I was excited for it the moment I saw it. The premise is full of potential conflict and witchy happenings, what's not to love?
For me though, Voya is incredibly annoying. No, not just Voya.. the characters in general lack any real sense of depth, but since she's the protagonist.. most of our attention is obviously centered on her. What seems meant to be simple insecurity and indecision is presented in the whiniest, most self-involved package imaginable.
The Calling itself is an interesting concept, if a bit cringey in spots.. though that's only my personal discomfort. Regardless, it is refreshingly original and it's nice to see coming of age tied to physiological changes that are inherently feminine energy.
Though modern society has gotten really obsessed with masculine virility (and there's nothing wrong with that either or any other option), it's important to note that many ancient civilizations worshipped heavily feminine gods. Therefore, in a story throwing back even a hundred years or so and focused on an age old theory like blood magic, it adds that extra something that seems to give the story a bit more kick.
There are definitely some things that are hard to read, but that's made more so because of the root of historical truth in them. Though the specific scene is fictional, obviously there are plenty of horrible actualities it could be drawn from.. and if possible that makes it even more difficult.
Anyway, this book wasn't for me, but the writing is solid and the story is interesting. If you're sensitive to cruelty and violence, you might want to skip a couple of pages though. Otherwise, though I wasn't a fan.. if you like urban fantasy and stories about witches, give it a try.
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)