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kaequinn's reviews
14 reviews
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
One of the main critiques I've seen of this book is that it does too much "tell" and not enough "show". Given the book is written from Xingyin recounting the story to the reader, I would say it would have been a little strange for any parts of the book to break away from that narration style to "show" vs having Xingyin describe what was going on from her perspective.
The story is as much of a character journey for Xingyin (if not more so) as it is an epic about her trials to save her mother, which means much of the first half of the book is centered around her growth from a sheltered child with little confidence in herself or her abilities, to a young warrior who has to face seemingly impossible choices that are constantly forcing her to reevaluate who she's become vs who she wants to be.
I will say for those looking for a fast paced, action-adventure story full of confidence and self-assurance this is not for you. If you want a story about a young girl discovering how to find her strength not based on what people expect of her, but by building her own core tenants of morality and ethics that's gift wrapped in a fantasy epic based in Chinese mythology than absolutely yes. This is for you.
The story is as much of a character journey for Xingyin (if not more so) as it is an epic about her trials to save her mother, which means much of the first half of the book is centered around her growth from a sheltered child with little confidence in herself or her abilities, to a young warrior who has to face seemingly impossible choices that are constantly forcing her to reevaluate who she's become vs who she wants to be.
I will say for those looking for a fast paced, action-adventure story full of confidence and self-assurance this is not for you. If you want a story about a young girl discovering how to find her strength not based on what people expect of her, but by building her own core tenants of morality and ethics that's gift wrapped in a fantasy epic based in Chinese mythology than absolutely yes. This is for you.
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
Did not finish book. Stopped at 60%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 60%.
I am honestly shocked at how readily this book as recommended to the masses across my socials. Not because it isn't well written or telling an interesting story, but because it should be well understood what one is getting into before they open the cover.
This book has graphic depictions of violence, assault, drug addiction, and just about every other trigger warning you can think of. Again, not that having that kind of content is bad, it just should be very clearly discussed when talking about the book. Otherwise a reader goes into it, like I did, thinking it was going to be a (to quote a literal reviewer I heard) "Harry Potter meets Avatar: The Last Airbender." That is not this book. I cannot reiterated enough, that is NOT this book.
If you want a book that puts the horrors of the Second Sino-Japanese War into a fictionalized world, this is definitely a book for you. If not, please don't read it. If you're unsure, look up the atrocities that were done against Chinese civilians and then proceed with caution.
This book has graphic depictions of violence, assault, drug addiction, and just about every other trigger warning you can think of. Again, not that having that kind of content is bad, it just should be very clearly discussed when talking about the book. Otherwise a reader goes into it, like I did, thinking it was going to be a (to quote a literal reviewer I heard) "Harry Potter meets Avatar: The Last Airbender." That is not this book. I cannot reiterated enough, that is NOT this book.
If you want a book that puts the horrors of the Second Sino-Japanese War into a fictionalized world, this is definitely a book for you. If not, please don't read it. If you're unsure, look up the atrocities that were done against Chinese civilians and then proceed with caution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Death, Child death, Body horror, War, Pregnancy, Genocide, Violence, Physical abuse, Drug abuse, Murder, Gore, Rape, Kidnapping, Hate crime, Sexual violence, Miscarriage, Drug use, Torture, Addiction, and Abortion
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
TLDR: If a clickbait article header was a book.
This book had everything that should have made it a five-star win for me. Grumpy protagonist: check. Adorable kid w/ pet: check. Cool premise: all the checks. Yet Kaner never really knew when to take off with it.
I spent the first fifty pages of the book thinking it was just a slow start. At about 100, I became confused as to why I wasn't enjoying it. At 150, I continued reading not because I was interested in the story, but more because I was interested in why I couldn't like a book that on paper seemed like such a match. Around page 200 (keep in mind the story is only 288 pages) things started getting interesting enough to where I actually wanted to keep reading for the story's sake.
Only none of the things I found interesting were actually resolved. It's obvious Kaner was setting up for a sequel, if not a series, and therein lies the problem. The book became about getting to the next book, rather than setting up a dynamic story in <i>this book.</i>
Inara became easily the most dynamic and interesting character, but she isn't utilized until nearly 200 pages in when its confirmed for the reader that her history and linage may not be as cut and dry as you were lead to believe (although its pretty obvious from the start, so its more of an annoyed <i>finally</i> than an <i> what?!</i>) However, the remaining 80-100 pages are Elo and Kissen talking about how crazy her abilities are, and then outright ignoring the possibility she could be helpful in any dire situation. (Literally the final boss <i>flinches away from her as she walks kind of near it</i> and she's just told to run away. There is absolutely no resolution to her story - which yes, its supposed to be a hook to read the next book - but I would much rather have learned about who she was so that character arc could have had some sort of conclusion. It felt like a cheap grab at a sequel without any of the payout of a completed story.
That said, I will not be picking up any of the additional books, nor will I be seeking out anything by this author. It was if a buzzfeed article was a book.
This book had everything that should have made it a five-star win for me. Grumpy protagonist: check. Adorable kid w/ pet: check. Cool premise: all the checks. Yet Kaner never really knew when to take off with it.
I spent the first fifty pages of the book thinking it was just a slow start. At about 100, I became confused as to why I wasn't enjoying it. At 150, I continued reading not because I was interested in the story, but more because I was interested in why I couldn't like a book that on paper seemed like such a match. Around page 200 (keep in mind the story is only 288 pages) things started getting interesting enough to where I actually wanted to keep reading for the story's sake.
Only none of the things I found interesting were actually resolved. It's obvious Kaner was setting up for a sequel, if not a series, and therein lies the problem. The book became about getting to the next book, rather than setting up a dynamic story in <i>this book.</i>
That said, I will not be picking up any of the additional books, nor will I be seeking out anything by this author. It was if a buzzfeed article was a book.
The Furies by Natalie Haynes
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was a pleasant surprise. I was a bit thrown at first, only having read Haynes’ previous works that were either the retelling/breakdown of the Classic Greek myths. I wasn’t sure how to feel about this one when I realized it was a contemporary story (especially given that it wasn’t narrated by Haynes herself. No hate to Zara Ramm, they did a wonderful job. Haynes has just spoiled me.)
I’m glad I stayed with it as it showed me it wasn’t just Haynes’ knowledge of the classic myths that made her stories so dynamic and compelling. Alex was just as complex and rich as any iteration that Haynes has given us of Athena or Helen. The saga flowed beautifully, interspersed with the prose of small moments and observations that are what make Haynes’ characters and worlds come to life.
While Stone Blind is still my favorite of her work so far (and as my favorite book in general it will likely not be usurped), The Furies definitely takes a place among books I’ve enjoyed and would likely pick up again sometime.
I’m glad I stayed with it as it showed me it wasn’t just Haynes’ knowledge of the classic myths that made her stories so dynamic and compelling. Alex was just as complex and rich as any iteration that Haynes has given us of Athena or Helen. The saga flowed beautifully, interspersed with the prose of small moments and observations that are what make Haynes’ characters and worlds come to life.
While Stone Blind is still my favorite of her work so far (and as my favorite book in general it will likely not be usurped), The Furies definitely takes a place among books I’ve enjoyed and would likely pick up again sometime.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Car accident
Minor: Domestic abuse
The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.5
Just no. This is cringe 90’s romance and not in the fun way.
The main character is constantly being told that’s she’s catty or bitter when she starts out as literally the nicest person ever. But because she likes to do things for others because it makes her feel good, she’s actually super selfish and fake, I guess? She’s also continuously invalidated when she’s not instantly forgiving those who deeply wounded her. Her boundaries are constantly pushed by the MMC out of “romance”. She asks him to give her time, he shows up at the cafe the next day. He then sits next to her at church as openly admits to using her as a “buffer” so he doesn’t have to talk to people one on one after the service. He goes to dinner over at their house. at one point he literally forces her into a lake after her begging him to stop and then while she’s close to having a panic attack throws her in because not listening is hot? Only to have her afterwards conceded that despite the panic attack it was actually fun because he knows what she needs more than she does so it’s ok for him to ignore her direct refusals.
Oh and the real kicker? He’s engaged! Yep he spends half the book openly pining after her - would have kissed her had she let him- but he also has a pregnant fiancée back in the city. Oh but don’t worry, she’s not pregnant. She lied out of a desperate attempt to save their relationship because we can’t have her just be a decent person otherwise we might feel bad when Jake dumps her for Sadie.
It then gets even better when Sadie comes to the conclusion that to save her brother, Seth, she has to sacrifice her magic, playing into that tired trope that if a woman just loves hard enough she can fix a man’s depression. And I’m using this critique because the author compared Seth’s magic to depression and mental illness. And it’s a trope I’m tired of.
But the even better trope is how a woman should be ok giving up everything for her family. It’s not surprising as entire book was setting up for it. There isn’t a single person in Sadie’s life that knows about her magic that actually praises her for all she accomplishes with it. Like she is one crazy powerful witch and instead of being like “Holy shit you’re incredible! Look at all this cool stuff you can do” And just letting her live her life, they are constantly being like “Yeah but is you’re magic really <I>that</I> cool? I know you’re living your best cottage core life but have you considered giving all of that up to get married?
Moral of the book, a woman’s skill and talent are separate from who she is and if she leans into them she won’t know who she really is and be miserable. Oh and also, if she gives up everything she thought she was (but really wasn’t because it made her independent) than no one will ever leave and she’ll be able to be happy…not that fake happy of a successful business owner and badass witch, but the <i>real happy</i> that a woman can only find when she’s a wife.
The main character is constantly being told that’s she’s catty or bitter when she starts out as literally the nicest person ever. But because she likes to do things for others because it makes her feel good, she’s actually super selfish and fake, I guess? She’s also continuously invalidated when she’s not instantly forgiving those who deeply wounded her. Her boundaries are constantly pushed by the MMC out of “romance”. She asks him to give her time, he shows up at the cafe the next day. He then sits next to her at church as openly admits to using her as a “buffer” so he doesn’t have to talk to people one on one after the service. He goes to dinner over at their house.
Oh and the real kicker?
It then gets even better when Sadie comes to the conclusion that to save her brother, Seth, she has to sacrifice her magic, playing into that tired trope that if a woman just loves hard enough she can fix a man’s depression. And I’m using this critique because the author compared Seth’s magic to depression and mental illness. And it’s a trope I’m tired of.
But the even better trope is how a woman should be ok giving up everything for her family. It’s not surprising as entire book was setting up for it. There isn’t a single person in Sadie’s life that knows about her magic that actually praises her for all she accomplishes with it. Like she is one crazy powerful witch and instead of being like “Holy shit you’re incredible! Look at all this cool stuff you can do” And just letting her live her life, they are constantly being like “Yeah but is you’re magic really <I>that</I> cool? I know you’re living your best cottage core life but have you considered giving all of that up to get married?
Moral of the book, a woman’s skill and talent are separate from who she is and if she leans into them she won’t know who she really is and be miserable. Oh and also, if she gives up everything she thought she was (but really wasn’t because it made her independent) than no one will ever leave and she’ll be able to be happy…not that fake happy of a successful business owner and badass witch, but the <i>real happy</i> that a woman can only find when she’s a wife.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? N/A
4.75
TLDR: Its Game of Thrones without the misogyny or inability to finish a plot thread.
First off, this story is nearly 1100 pages. It will be a rough start. I have yet to read a high fantasy that isn't a lot of "wait, who are you talking about?" "Where is this again?" "Why are you telling me about a siege on a city that happened 500 years ago?"
That said, Shannon gets through a good chunk of the world building within the first 200 pages or so and her ability to weave dynamic prose make it a lot less painful than most. She also made the wise choice of following a few core characters rather than bloating the book out with a lot of different perspectives (I believe there are four in all?) It helps minimize the amount of information you actually need to <i>retain</i> when slogging through the world-building.
The story itself is intricate and well thought out. There were very few "it was fixed because of reasons" and no solution is ever a clean from point A to B. There are always hiccups and complications along the way which made the story have a much more vibrant and realistic tone (after all, when have you ever solved a complicated life problem with a simple, one step solution that took 20 minutes?)
And herein lies where the fifth star was lost. The story is so large, and so complex, its resolution felt a bit abrupt. Not the climax itself. That was well done and dynamically written and made me stay up far too late to finish. But the "falling action" as it were didn't seem like it was enough to really give closure to the characters I'd spent over a thousand pages getting to know. Now, you may be thinking, this story was nearly 1100 pages, do you really think it needed another fifty? No, but there were entire paragraphs within that first two hundred pages that could have easily been removed and none would have been the wiser. I can guarantee that the majority of readers would not be able to call back to them, even on their second read through. This would have made the first section of the book a little cleaner, as well as given an additional 10-15 pages that could have been tack onto the end to give the resolution a little more breathing room. In its current state, it is very much, rising action, climax, then your asked if you're going to stay the night because they <i>kinda have to get up early the next morning and its, like fine, but, you know, they're just not used to sleeping in the same bed as another person</i>.
First off, this story is nearly 1100 pages. It will be a rough start. I have yet to read a high fantasy that isn't a lot of "wait, who are you talking about?" "Where is this again?" "Why are you telling me about a siege on a city that happened 500 years ago?"
That said, Shannon gets through a good chunk of the world building within the first 200 pages or so and her ability to weave dynamic prose make it a lot less painful than most. She also made the wise choice of following a few core characters rather than bloating the book out with a lot of different perspectives (I believe there are four in all?) It helps minimize the amount of information you actually need to <i>retain</i> when slogging through the world-building.
The story itself is intricate and well thought out. There were very few "it was fixed because of reasons" and no solution is ever a clean from point A to B. There are always hiccups and complications along the way which made the story have a much more vibrant and realistic tone (after all, when have you ever solved a complicated life problem with a simple, one step solution that took 20 minutes?)
And herein lies where the fifth star was lost. The story is so large, and so complex, its resolution felt a bit abrupt. Not the climax itself. That was well done and dynamically written and made me stay up far too late to finish. But the "falling action" as it were didn't seem like it was enough to really give closure to the characters I'd spent over a thousand pages getting to know. Now, you may be thinking, this story was nearly 1100 pages, do you really think it needed another fifty? No, but there were entire paragraphs within that first two hundred pages that could have easily been removed and none would have been the wiser. I can guarantee that the majority of readers would not be able to call back to them, even on their second read through. This would have made the first section of the book a little cleaner, as well as given an additional 10-15 pages that could have been tack onto the end to give the resolution a little more breathing room. In its current state, it is very much, rising action, climax, then your asked if you're going to stay the night because they <i>kinda have to get up early the next morning and its, like fine, but, you know, they're just not used to sleeping in the same bed as another person</i>.
A Legacy of Storms and Starlight by Victoria J. Price
2.0
This wasn’t good enough to end with such little resolution as it did. The pacing was touch and go. For example, throwing in a new big bad in three chapters before the end. Since the main plot threads hadn’t been tied up it just ended up seeming like the author was more interested in getting you to read the second book than actually giving any satisfaction to the first.
The world building and magic rules only applied when it was narratively convenient. It was expressed several times how “magic could be tracked” so they had to be extra careful how they used it but then would go around doing powerful stuff super casually with no reproductions. Then someone would mention tracking again and suddenly it was too dangerous to use until the next paragraph.
Overall, it was fine, but nothing spectacular. Will not be reading the second despite the author’s best attempt to clickbait me into the sequel.
The world building and magic rules only applied when it was narratively convenient. It was expressed several times how “magic could be tracked” so they had to be extra careful how they used it but then would go around doing powerful stuff super casually with no reproductions. Then someone would mention tracking again and suddenly it was too dangerous to use until the next paragraph.
Overall, it was fine, but nothing spectacular. Will not be reading the second despite the author’s best attempt to clickbait me into the sequel.
Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
I would say this is a fantasy novel with a side of spice. It’s definitely there in all it’s slow burning passion (and there’s a lot of passion) but it is tucked cozily within an incredibly dynamic story that will have you running for the second.
And don’t worry, that’s not to say the story doesn’t resolve itself nicely. T Kingfisher does an excellent job of balancing the “book” plot with the “series” plot so after you’re done you feel like there was a satisfying resolution for the characters.
Like in her previous books, Kingfisher does an excellent job of playing to her character’s strengths so there’s none of that messy, forced ineptitude to move the story along.
And don’t worry, that’s not to say the story doesn’t resolve itself nicely. T Kingfisher does an excellent job of balancing the “book” plot with the “series” plot so after you’re done you feel like there was a satisfying resolution for the characters.
Like in her previous books, Kingfisher does an excellent job of playing to her character’s strengths so there’s none of that messy, forced ineptitude to move the story along.
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
5.0
(Listened to audio book)
This I was my introduction to T Kingfisher and I was thoroughly impressed. Her voice was distinctive and consistent throughout the story (and unique to some of her other works I can say after reading a few more in her catalog). The characters were charming and unique from one another. I became far too attached and was yelling when there were any threats of real danger that she “better not!” (I won’t tell you if she, indeed, did.)
While there is some romance, this is by no means a “romance novel” and if you’re looking for spice alone head elsewhere. However, if you want a tale with fluid world building, a lovable cast of characters who remain consistent throughout, and a beautiful story with a bit of humor, this is your next favorite.
This I was my introduction to T Kingfisher and I was thoroughly impressed. Her voice was distinctive and consistent throughout the story (and unique to some of her other works I can say after reading a few more in her catalog). The characters were charming and unique from one another. I became far too attached and was yelling when there were any threats of real danger that she “better not!” (I won’t tell you if she, indeed, did.)
While there is some romance, this is by no means a “romance novel” and if you’re looking for spice alone head elsewhere. However, if you want a tale with fluid world building, a lovable cast of characters who remain consistent throughout, and a beautiful story with a bit of humor, this is your next favorite.
Paladin's Hope by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The third in the Saint of Steel Series, now focusing on Piper and Galen, the book dives into the deeper mysteries of the lost civilization.
Kingfisher returns to what she does best, two characters with immediate chemistry in a will they/won’t they slow burn (obviously they will). There was a lot more intrigue and a lot fewer answers in this one, which made it a little slower going than the last two, but it was still engaging. Kingfisher does a great job of giving just enough information explaining everything. It leaves the reader with a sense that the world is fully realized and the answers are out there, the characters just haven’t found them yet.
Overall it’s got a strong, well-developed plot, with endearing characters. If you want a fantasy romance where the plot isn’t just there to get to the spice, I’d highly recommend this series.
Kingfisher returns to what she does best, two characters with immediate chemistry in a will they/won’t they slow burn (obviously they will). There was a lot more intrigue and a lot fewer answers in this one, which made it a little slower going than the last two, but it was still engaging. Kingfisher does a great job of giving just enough information explaining everything. It leaves the reader with a sense that the world is fully realized and the answers are out there, the characters just haven’t found them yet.
Overall it’s got a strong, well-developed plot, with endearing characters. If you want a fantasy romance where the plot isn’t just there to get to the spice, I’d highly recommend this series.