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kathleenabby's reviews
404 reviews
The Four by Ellie Keel
Did not finish book. Stopped at 50%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 50%.
Me and Dark Academia have a funny relationship. I either love it or hate it! And in this case this just wasn't for me.
📚 This follows four students who are accepted into an exclusive private boarding school on a scholarship but are not accepted or liked by other students!
📖 What I did like about this was the setting I thought the atmosphere was great. There is also queer representation which is always good to see.
I appreciate what the author was trying to do when it came to speaking on bullying and mental health but this was just so unbelievably farfetched that it started to read like a comedy, and I just can't take this book seriously. To me this doesn't read like the tense thriller it's marketed to be. Everything is over dramatised and it really takes away from the impact this book could've had.
In theory I should of liked these characters but they just don't read like real people to me. Things that were happening felt so odd and I kept wondering where the teachers were. There is something nonsensical about how things were playing out. There is a bit of mystery in here but I'm just not interested enough to find out how this plays out.
📚 This follows four students who are accepted into an exclusive private boarding school on a scholarship but are not accepted or liked by other students!
📖 What I did like about this was the setting I thought the atmosphere was great. There is also queer representation which is always good to see.
I appreciate what the author was trying to do when it came to speaking on bullying and mental health but this was just so unbelievably farfetched that it started to read like a comedy, and I just can't take this book seriously. To me this doesn't read like the tense thriller it's marketed to be. Everything is over dramatised and it really takes away from the impact this book could've had.
In theory I should of liked these characters but they just don't read like real people to me. Things that were happening felt so odd and I kept wondering where the teachers were. There is something nonsensical about how things were playing out. There is a bit of mystery in here but I'm just not interested enough to find out how this plays out.
Gunmetal Gods by Zamil Akhtar
dark
2.75
THIS BOOK WAS RUTHLESS!! And I'm in two minds on what I think about it!
📚 This is middle-eastern Grimdark fantasy that mirrors the crusades. We mainly follow two PoVs Micah leader of of invading army and Kevan a once legendary warrior.
✨ Review ✨
I love that the PoVs came from opposing sides and when going into the world-building and lore it created a really well-rounded view.
The mythology and clash of cultures was fantastic!
I also love morally grey and unlikeable characters which is one of the reasons I quickly immersed myself into the book however after a while they felt very cookie cutter. I wanted more complexity and depth.
There is a moment in the book that also completely ruined a character for me at the halfway point. There was a disturbing scene that felt very much like it was shock for the sake of shock. This book was already brutal and I don't think it serves a perpose and it also undermimed his motivations. He no longer made sense as a character to me.
I really loved the premise and magic system and for the most part it was well done but the pacing was off and disjointed. It's really slow at points but the important moments felt they were rushed and glossed over. There was no sense of time.
There are things to like about this but for me it's not enough to want to pick up the next book!
📚 This is middle-eastern Grimdark fantasy that mirrors the crusades. We mainly follow two PoVs Micah leader of of invading army and Kevan a once legendary warrior.
✨ Review ✨
I love that the PoVs came from opposing sides and when going into the world-building and lore it created a really well-rounded view.
The mythology and clash of cultures was fantastic!
I also love morally grey and unlikeable characters which is one of the reasons I quickly immersed myself into the book however after a while they felt very cookie cutter. I wanted more complexity and depth.
There is a moment in the book that also completely ruined a character for me at the halfway point. There was a disturbing scene that felt very much like it was shock for the sake of shock. This book was already brutal and I don't think it serves a perpose and it also undermimed his motivations. He no longer made sense as a character to me.
I really loved the premise and magic system and for the most part it was well done but the pacing was off and disjointed. It's really slow at points but the important moments felt they were rushed and glossed over. There was no sense of time.
There are things to like about this but for me it's not enough to want to pick up the next book!
Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland
Did not finish book. Stopped at 59%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 59%.
The book has potential and a great premise.
There are 5 or 6 POVs and they aren't distinguishable from one another. Add in the fact that chapters are like 3 pages long so POVs keep switching quickly. IM CONFUSED. And keep forgetting who's who!
I also think their development is very surface level.
There are multiple insta love romances or should I say insta horny between POVs and because characters again aren't distinguishable it's hard to keep track.
There is no sense of time, things take months such as travel etc. but it doesn't feel that way.
The writing isn't the worst I've come across but it's not great it could use a bit more editing. It fe ls very disjointed and chaotic. Sometimes I have to reread a sentence and the overuse of commas is really throwing me off. Some of the dialogue is also a bit Cheesy.
The one saving grace of this is Sora she's a great character it should have just been told from her POV. I just don't care enough to carry on with it.
There are 5 or 6 POVs and they aren't distinguishable from one another. Add in the fact that chapters are like 3 pages long so POVs keep switching quickly. IM CONFUSED. And keep forgetting who's who!
I also think their development is very surface level.
There are multiple insta love romances or should I say insta horny between POVs and because characters again aren't distinguishable it's hard to keep track.
There is no sense of time, things take months such as travel etc. but it doesn't feel that way.
The writing isn't the worst I've come across but it's not great it could use a bit more editing. It fe ls very disjointed and chaotic. Sometimes I have to reread a sentence and the overuse of commas is really throwing me off. Some of the dialogue is also a bit Cheesy.
The one saving grace of this is Sora she's a great character it should have just been told from her POV. I just don't care enough to carry on with it.
Ex-Girlfriend by Rosie Walker
3.0
This was a fun, quick easy read.
The beginning had me hooked and the author did a good job at building up the suspense. However I don't think there was enough foreshadowing for that ending it didn't really make sense but overall enjoyable.
The beginning had me hooked and the author did a good job at building up the suspense. However I don't think there was enough foreshadowing for that ending it didn't really make sense but overall enjoyable.
A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall
lighthearted
medium-paced
2.75
I'm yet to find a cosy fantasy I enjoy, but a book written through letters intrigued me. To start with I was hooked, I loved how personal the letter were and then it started to go downhill.
📚 A beautiful discovery outside the window of her underwater home prompts the reclusive E. to begin a correspondence with renowned scholar Henerey Clel.
Together, they uncover a mystery from the unknown depths, destined to transform the underwater world they both equally fear and love. But by no mere coincidence, a seaquake destroys E.’s home, and she and Henerey vanish.
A year later, E.’s sister Sophy, and Henerey’s brother Vyerin, are left to solve the mystery of their siblings’ disappearances with the letters, sketches and field notes left behind.
📖 Review:
Let's start with what I loved which is the fact this was written through letters. I loved how personal and intimate it felt.
I also enjoyed the writing style it was poetic and whimsical.
Now I know I said I loved the letters and I do but I don't think this was the right world for this style of book. This is set underwater but there is no world building and no sense of being underwater. I would of really like to experience that and as much as I love the letters I don't think it was the right setting. It's very easy to forget we are underwater.
I liked the characters and I especially loved the way Sophy's mental health imparticular was woven into the story. However I feel like all the characters sounded the same. There writing style within letters wasn't distinguishable from one another. I would have liked to have seen more individually within there letters such as grammar quirks or catchphrases.
I also think this book is too long. The mystery is intriguing but the middle when at a glacial pace with no real development or anything happening then to only be left on a cliffhanger which I felt wasn't needed.
There is an audience for this book but it sadly isn't me.
📚 A beautiful discovery outside the window of her underwater home prompts the reclusive E. to begin a correspondence with renowned scholar Henerey Clel.
Together, they uncover a mystery from the unknown depths, destined to transform the underwater world they both equally fear and love. But by no mere coincidence, a seaquake destroys E.’s home, and she and Henerey vanish.
A year later, E.’s sister Sophy, and Henerey’s brother Vyerin, are left to solve the mystery of their siblings’ disappearances with the letters, sketches and field notes left behind.
📖 Review:
Let's start with what I loved which is the fact this was written through letters. I loved how personal and intimate it felt.
I also enjoyed the writing style it was poetic and whimsical.
Now I know I said I loved the letters and I do but I don't think this was the right world for this style of book. This is set underwater but there is no world building and no sense of being underwater. I would of really like to experience that and as much as I love the letters I don't think it was the right setting. It's very easy to forget we are underwater.
I liked the characters and I especially loved the way Sophy's mental health imparticular was woven into the story. However I feel like all the characters sounded the same. There writing style within letters wasn't distinguishable from one another. I would have liked to have seen more individually within there letters such as grammar quirks or catchphrases.
I also think this book is too long. The mystery is intriguing but the middle when at a glacial pace with no real development or anything happening then to only be left on a cliffhanger which I felt wasn't needed.
There is an audience for this book but it sadly isn't me.
The Silverblood Promise by James Logan
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
The Silverblood Promise is a mysterious and fast-paced fantasy, set in a world of merchant princes and ancient secrets. Exploring themes of danger, secrets, and the price of truth with a healthy dash of dry / sarcastic humour.
📚 We follow Lukan an academy dropout and disgraced heir to a noble house due to a duel that ended badly. His days now consist of cheap wine and rigged card games. In all honesty he's abit of a loser!!
When Lukan finds out his estranged father was murdered he vows to unravel the mystery behind his death.
His leads him to the city of Saphrona where danger and secrets lie in every corner.
📖 Review:
I had so much fun with this. It's set in a dark and gritty world and Lukans investigation leads him into a brutal conspiracy but the humour throughout add a lightest and made it incredibly entertaining.
The characters really made this for me especially the dynamic between Lukan and Flea. Lukan is rude and impatient but oddly charming and Flea is a young orphaned pickpocket. A chance encounter when Flea targets Lukan sets off the best friendship. These two together made for the most hilarious duo filled with banter and laughs and yet there is heart to it as well in the way they drew strength from one another. (It was giving Indiana Jones and I loved every second) Flea is one of the best little sidekicks I've come across.
The world-building was fantastic and easy to immense yourself into. I loved the magic system. Our MCs don't have magic themselves but we have sorcerers known as gleamers, different creatures and this is filled with action. I love how this put our MCs at a disadvantage and it only added to the entertainment value.
This was addictive, full of twists and turns. I can't recommend it enough. This was a solid debut.
📚 We follow Lukan an academy dropout and disgraced heir to a noble house due to a duel that ended badly. His days now consist of cheap wine and rigged card games. In all honesty he's abit of a loser!!
When Lukan finds out his estranged father was murdered he vows to unravel the mystery behind his death.
His leads him to the city of Saphrona where danger and secrets lie in every corner.
📖 Review:
I had so much fun with this. It's set in a dark and gritty world and Lukans investigation leads him into a brutal conspiracy but the humour throughout add a lightest and made it incredibly entertaining.
The characters really made this for me especially the dynamic between Lukan and Flea. Lukan is rude and impatient but oddly charming and Flea is a young orphaned pickpocket. A chance encounter when Flea targets Lukan sets off the best friendship. These two together made for the most hilarious duo filled with banter and laughs and yet there is heart to it as well in the way they drew strength from one another. (It was giving Indiana Jones and I loved every second) Flea is one of the best little sidekicks I've come across.
The world-building was fantastic and easy to immense yourself into. I loved the magic system. Our MCs don't have magic themselves but we have sorcerers known as gleamers, different creatures and this is filled with action. I love how this put our MCs at a disadvantage and it only added to the entertainment value.
This was addictive, full of twists and turns. I can't recommend it enough. This was a solid debut.
The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
After reading The Will of the Many I had to read James Islington's Licanius Trilogy and what a RIDE!! 🎢
📚 It has been 20 years since the Augurs were overthrown (a people who were seen as almost gods) and wiped out. Those with a lesser ability known as the gift escaped this fate by submitting to the tenets. Laws written in there flesh and forcing them into obedience!!
We follow Davian as he discovers he has the ability to wield the forbidden power of the Augurs, he sets into motion a chain of events that will change everything. To the north, an ancient enemy long thought defeated begins to stir. And to the west, a young man whose fate is intertwined with Davian’s wakes up in the forest, covered in blood and with no memory of who he is…
📖Review:
I don't even know where to start on all the reasons I loved this. The complexities within Islington's storytelling is incredible. It's a story with many threads that constantly had me guessing and activated my DETECTIVE MODE!! He delivers the mysteries in a gradual process so it's never overwhelming and the way he slowly builds tension is AMAZING especially considering this was his debut!!!
This is multiple POV and I adored every perspective and think each one served an important role in the over arch of this story. The characters themselves were so fun and well fleshed out and I loved there relationships between eachother. Even all the side characters were amazing. What I particularly love are the mysteries surrounding the characters, I don't fully know who's side I'm on but I've grown to love them all which only adds an intense excitement for me. And again has me constantly guessing and had my jaw on the floor.
I also think the women compared to the will of the many are better written in this. They feel like they are more ingrained into this world and play a bigger part. While I don't think every story needs to centre women I am giving side eye when authors ignore one half of the population because it can create an empty atmosphere 👀
The world building and magic system were so well crafted. And the way he weaved in the lore and history made for such an immersive world. I actually think I prefer the world itself to The Will of the Many. Although I do think TWOTM was better crafted.
I was engaged start to finish. I do think however the last chapter before the epilogue kind of flat lined. It felt rushed and abrupt but the epilogue itself 100% picked things back up. I also would of liked Islington to have established some of plotlines just a little bit more.
Other than that this was INCREDIBLE, I loved every minute of it. I would recommend to anyone who loves big EPIC fantasy. I can't wait to read the next book!!
📚 It has been 20 years since the Augurs were overthrown (a people who were seen as almost gods) and wiped out. Those with a lesser ability known as the gift escaped this fate by submitting to the tenets. Laws written in there flesh and forcing them into obedience!!
We follow Davian as he discovers he has the ability to wield the forbidden power of the Augurs, he sets into motion a chain of events that will change everything. To the north, an ancient enemy long thought defeated begins to stir. And to the west, a young man whose fate is intertwined with Davian’s wakes up in the forest, covered in blood and with no memory of who he is…
📖Review:
I don't even know where to start on all the reasons I loved this. The complexities within Islington's storytelling is incredible. It's a story with many threads that constantly had me guessing and activated my DETECTIVE MODE!! He delivers the mysteries in a gradual process so it's never overwhelming and the way he slowly builds tension is AMAZING especially considering this was his debut!!!
This is multiple POV and I adored every perspective and think each one served an important role in the over arch of this story. The characters themselves were so fun and well fleshed out and I loved there relationships between eachother. Even all the side characters were amazing. What I particularly love are the mysteries surrounding the characters, I don't fully know who's side I'm on but I've grown to love them all which only adds an intense excitement for me. And again has me constantly guessing and had my jaw on the floor.
I also think the women compared to the will of the many are better written in this. They feel like they are more ingrained into this world and play a bigger part. While I don't think every story needs to centre women I am giving side eye when authors ignore one half of the population because it can create an empty atmosphere 👀
The world building and magic system were so well crafted. And the way he weaved in the lore and history made for such an immersive world. I actually think I prefer the world itself to The Will of the Many. Although I do think TWOTM was better crafted.
I was engaged start to finish. I do think however the last chapter before the epilogue kind of flat lined. It felt rushed and abrupt but the epilogue itself 100% picked things back up. I also would of liked Islington to have established some of plotlines just a little bit more.
Other than that this was INCREDIBLE, I loved every minute of it. I would recommend to anyone who loves big EPIC fantasy. I can't wait to read the next book!!
Grey Sister by Mark Lawrence
dark
medium-paced
4.0
Grey Sister in book 2 in the Book of Ancestor Trilogy. Im happy to say I enjoyed this one a lot more.
Grey Sister takes place two years after the events of Red Sister. In book 1 we saw Nona through Red Class and Grey Class. In this one we again start in the school setting by following Nonas journey into Mystic Class. By the second half of the book we start to move away from the school setting and see more of the outside world. This is where my enjoyment kicked up a notch.
I also enjoyed the characters more in this one especially Nona. Her character development was fantastic. In ways she's still the same girl loyal, kind and who's life has hardened her. But she's also more confident and angry which I loved. Her development fits the narrative perfectly.
I also enjoyed the new PoVs it added a layer of depth to the characters and world I think I was missing from book 1.
As always Mark Lawrences world building is incredible he really knows how to create an atmosphere and I loved that this world opened up more.
The action scenes were fantastic, however as much as I enjoyed the second half I do think it could benefit from slowing down a little. I would of liked a little more room to breathe between the action.
Overall I loved this one and can't wait to get to book 3.
Grey Sister takes place two years after the events of Red Sister. In book 1 we saw Nona through Red Class and Grey Class. In this one we again start in the school setting by following Nonas journey into Mystic Class. By the second half of the book we start to move away from the school setting and see more of the outside world. This is where my enjoyment kicked up a notch.
I also enjoyed the characters more in this one especially Nona. Her character development was fantastic. In ways she's still the same girl loyal, kind and who's life has hardened her. But she's also more confident and angry which I loved. Her development fits the narrative perfectly.
I also enjoyed the new PoVs it added a layer of depth to the characters and world I think I was missing from book 1.
As always Mark Lawrences world building is incredible he really knows how to create an atmosphere and I loved that this world opened up more.
The action scenes were fantastic, however as much as I enjoyed the second half I do think it could benefit from slowing down a little. I would of liked a little more room to breathe between the action.
Overall I loved this one and can't wait to get to book 3.