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kaequinn's reviews
14 reviews
Between Ink and Shadows by Melissa Wright
2.0
The premise and world were interesting in theory but overall it fell flat. It was another one of those “she’s strong and capable until she’s not” tropes. There was a what could be considered an enemies to lovers but it evolved rather strangely with him being apathetic and then suddenly into her.
Overall, even the “twists” were fairly predictable and elicited more of an eyeroll than a surprising gasp. Won’t be continuing the series.
Overall, even the “twists” were fairly predictable and elicited more of an eyeroll than a surprising gasp. Won’t be continuing the series.
Song of the Forever Rains by E.J. Mellow
4.0
Firstly, I have to say that the use of prose is incredible. The way which characters and movements are depicted is on an entirely different level.
I think the audiobook did a disservice to this one. I started with that (being my preferred method) but the methodical, rather emotionless performance ended up being more grating than immersive. If I would have continued in that vein I would have likely given it three stars but I’m giving four with the assumption my opinion was tainted by the audio format.
I switched to the ebook halfway though because it felt like I ✨should✨ like the story and was grateful I did. While it’s not groundbreaking by any means, it is interesting and entertaining. The characters are consistent without any of the sudden afflictions of stupidity or ineptitude for the sake of plot.
I think the audiobook did a disservice to this one. I started with that (being my preferred method) but the methodical, rather emotionless performance ended up being more grating than immersive. If I would have continued in that vein I would have likely given it three stars but I’m giving four with the assumption my opinion was tainted by the audio format.
I switched to the ebook halfway though because it felt like I ✨should✨ like the story and was grateful I did. While it’s not groundbreaking by any means, it is interesting and entertaining. The characters are consistent without any of the sudden afflictions of stupidity or ineptitude for the sake of plot.
Drunk on All Your Strange New Words by Eddie Robson
5.0
I'm going to be 100% honest, contemporary fiction isn't normally my go-to but after seeing it on booktok and reading the blurb I knew it was a must read. And wow, it didn't disappoint.
It's no surprise to find that Eddie Robson has had his hand in some Dr Who-esque sitcoms as this very much travels along the same vein. Heartfelt, humorous, with a twist of mystery and a slight flirtation with campiness (but just the right amount). I found myself surprised with the plot several times, and attached to the characters much more than I expected by the end. Even if you don't normally do aliens or sci-fi I would still recommend this as the genre acts as more of a flavor to the story rather than its foundation.
I listened to this as an audio, and I have to say Amy Scanlon does an absolutely bang up job. She embodies just the right amount of emotion and inflection that really makes it feel like your being told a story, not just having one read to you. I know her talent made an already fantastic book all the more entertaining.
It's no surprise to find that Eddie Robson has had his hand in some Dr Who-esque sitcoms as this very much travels along the same vein. Heartfelt, humorous, with a twist of mystery and a slight flirtation with campiness (but just the right amount). I found myself surprised with the plot several times, and attached to the characters much more than I expected by the end. Even if you don't normally do aliens or sci-fi I would still recommend this as the genre acts as more of a flavor to the story rather than its foundation.
I listened to this as an audio, and I have to say Amy Scanlon does an absolutely bang up job. She embodies just the right amount of emotion and inflection that really makes it feel like your being told a story, not just having one read to you. I know her talent made an already fantastic book all the more entertaining.
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
5.0
This was my first dive into Brandon Sanderson's work (I know, I know, how dare I call myself a fantasy fan and not have read his work until now). I can honestly say, I deeply regret my choices and will be consuming his entire catalogue posthaste since this is very likely my new favorite fantasy novel.
It's no surprise that Sanderson is as well loved as he is with the way he is able to create such a unique, consistent voice throughout an entire story. The writing was witty, humorous, with a level of self-awareness that ensured it steered clear of cheese or camp. It was no surprise when I finished the book and read the note from the author that he'd been inspired by The Princess Bride and Good Omens.
The world building is almost irritating with its level of creativity, if only for the fact that it seems absurd that someone could create something so clever while also executing it as smoothly as Sanderson does (again, this was my first dive into his work. From my understanding that is par for the course with him). If you're like me and was intimidated by Sanderson's expansive catalogue, this is a great, stand-alone novel to start with and I cannot recommend it enough.
It's no surprise that Sanderson is as well loved as he is with the way he is able to create such a unique, consistent voice throughout an entire story. The writing was witty, humorous, with a level of self-awareness that ensured it steered clear of cheese or camp. It was no surprise when I finished the book and read the note from the author that he'd been inspired by The Princess Bride and Good Omens.
The world building is almost irritating with its level of creativity, if only for the fact that it seems absurd that someone could create something so clever while also executing it as smoothly as Sanderson does (again, this was my first dive into his work. From my understanding that is par for the course with him). If you're like me and was intimidated by Sanderson's expansive catalogue, this is a great, stand-alone novel to start with and I cannot recommend it enough.
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