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kathleenfairchild's reviews
261 reviews
Your Blood, My Bones by Kelly Andrew
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
4.0
Wow, what a ride. An enjoyable one, pretty dark, twisted, creepy and heart-wrenching. This is definitely not for the faint of heart. I think this would be a great October/Halloween read. There's a creepy forest, eldritch horror, mind games, blood and gore, but also a deep friendship being tested by impossible circumstances, being twisted by them in some ways but also staying strong at its core.
We also get a romantic plotline full of pain and yearning. I wouldn't describe this book as a romance at all, nor would I recommend it to someone who wants to read a romance because there are certain expectations tied to it that aren't met here. I'm pointing this out because I think the summary can be misleading to people on that front.
This book is kinda mysterious but also not because you'll possibly figure out what's going on and where it might lead fairly eraly on. It's more about the atmosphere, the vibes and the feelings they evoke in the reader. The story takes place within our world but there are paranormal elements and magic. I don't think I 100% understood the magic but it didn't take away much from my enjoyment of the story.
There are two third person POVs, Wyatt's and Peter's, with the former being more prominent. Towards the end there's also a chapter written in another character's POV. On the one hand, had there been only Wyatt's POV, maybe the story would have been a bit more mysterious and I would have had more of the 'What is real?' kind of feeling because Peter's POV does reveal some things before Wyatt knows them. On the other hand, I appreciate how this gives voice to someone who never really got the opportunity to express what they want. We also get the opportunity to get more attached to him which makes the impact of the unfolding events bigger. I also liked the glimpse into the other character's head.
The ending mirrors the beginning of the story nicely, coming full circle, but is pretty abrupt as well.
Ultimately, this is a story about the desire to find a home, the burdens that can come with the legacy parents leave their children with, and the consequences of grasping for things that aren't meant to be taken, especially not at the expense of another person's well-being. It'll probably not be for everyone. There are barely any light moments. But if you're looking for something dark and creepy that'll likely make you cry, this might be for you.
We also get a romantic plotline full of pain and yearning. I wouldn't describe this book as a romance at all, nor would I recommend it to someone who wants to read a romance because there are certain expectations tied to it that aren't met here. I'm pointing this out because I think the summary can be misleading to people on that front.
This book is kinda mysterious but also not because you'll possibly figure out what's going on and where it might lead fairly eraly on. It's more about the atmosphere, the vibes and the feelings they evoke in the reader. The story takes place within our world but there are paranormal elements and magic. I don't think I 100% understood the magic but it didn't take away much from my enjoyment of the story.
There are two third person POVs, Wyatt's and Peter's, with the former being more prominent. Towards the end there's also a chapter written in another character's POV. On the one hand, had there been only Wyatt's POV, maybe the story would have been a bit more mysterious and I would have had more of the 'What is real?' kind of feeling because Peter's POV does reveal some things before Wyatt knows them. On the other hand, I appreciate how this gives voice to someone who never really got the opportunity to express what they want. We also get the opportunity to get more attached to him which makes the impact of the unfolding events bigger. I also liked the glimpse into the other character's head.
The ending mirrors the beginning of the story nicely, coming full circle, but is pretty abrupt as well.
Ultimately, this is a story about the desire to find a home, the burdens that can come with the legacy parents leave their children with, and the consequences of grasping for things that aren't meant to be taken, especially not at the expense of another person's well-being. It'll probably not be for everyone. There are barely any light moments. But if you're looking for something dark and creepy that'll likely make you cry, this might be for you.
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
It was fun reading this story from the viewpoint of Emily’s journal entries. She’s a great main character, so smart, take-charge, very focused on her work, but also struggling with reading people and socialising. Bambleby is more charming, chaotic and laid-back. I like that we get a few journal entries from his POV too. Loved, loved, loved the banter between these two not-really-rivals but sort-of friends that slowly turn into something more … sort of. The romance is not the main focus though.
I also enjoyed the exploration of fairies they are more of the folklore kind of variety. I adored the little brownie Poe. He’s so cute.
I must say that I liked the first half of the book much more than the second one. Especially the events in the last third felt a bit rushed due to the journal-type of presenting the story. It also felt far less cosy and quite a bit darker than the first half.
The relationships between Emily and the people in the town are done really well and were a joy to read because of the complexity.
I also enjoyed the exploration of fairies they are more of the folklore kind of variety. I adored the little brownie Poe. He’s so cute.
I must say that I liked the first half of the book much more than the second one. Especially the events in the last third felt a bit rushed due to the journal-type of presenting the story. It also felt far less cosy and quite a bit darker than the first half.
The relationships between Emily and the people in the town are done really well and were a joy to read because of the complexity.
The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Two traumatised people finding each other, the bittersweetness of it made me feel so much. I adore them both. The world and the magic made me get lost in them and the writing is simply stunning. I thought that I'm more into an economic writing style but this book taught me that I love a poetic one just as much when it's done like it is in this book. This story works very well as a standalone but I'm still interested to return to this wonderful world in book 2, which is about a different character.
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This sucked me in. It was an easy, quick read. I enjoyed the first half or so of the story, especially the fun (half-)grumpy/grumpy kind of dynamic between Dora and Elias. The banter between them in the beginning is great. Their feelings developed a bit too fast for my taste, though. I still had a good time following their love story. The second half of the book got a bit weird in how it turned into a parody of Regency England but make it a strange fairy fever dream. I did like the social commentary in this book just not entirely how it was executed. Maybe this would have worked better for me without the fantasy aspect.
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
The writing is easily the best part of this book. It fits the time period the story is set in but is still easy to read. I found it to be quite beautiful.
The story is told from multiple POVs. I don’t usually mind this. In this case, I don’t think all these POVs truly added something new to the story or moved it along in a significant way. The book could have worked just as well told only from Luzia’s POV, in my opinion. Luzia also is the only character I cared about, even though it has taken a bit of time to get there. I’ve struggled to connect with the other characters, and only barely managed to do so because of how they are connected to Luzia.
The romance didn’t work for me because I didn’t feel any chemistry or tension between Luzia and Santangel. I could detect the parts in the story where the author tried to shift that relationship into something more but it didn’t transport well. The two characters don’t spend enough time together to make me believe in the love we are told has built between them. And while the romance is not the main event of this tale, it is still significant to how the story unfolds. So me being unsatisfied with it definitely influenced my enjoyment of the book as a whole.
I liked the setting and I think the author did a great job showing us what life might have been like in Spain during the Spanish Inquisition, especially when you’re a Jew and have magic like Luzia, who turns out to be quite reckless and ambitious as well in order to get away from life as a servant who is constantly having to hide who she is to not get caught. An intriguing setup for sure. I wish we would have had the opportunity to delve deeper into this world and explore the magic more in depth.
The ending left me unsatisfied because it felt a bit too convenient.
All in all, I’m still glad I read this and I’d recommend it for the setting, the writing and most of Luzia’s story line, not so much for the romance, though. I appreciate that this is a standalone. No big commitment. I had an alright time with it.
The story is told from multiple POVs. I don’t usually mind this. In this case, I don’t think all these POVs truly added something new to the story or moved it along in a significant way. The book could have worked just as well told only from Luzia’s POV, in my opinion. Luzia also is the only character I cared about, even though it has taken a bit of time to get there. I’ve struggled to connect with the other characters, and only barely managed to do so because of how they are connected to Luzia.
The romance didn’t work for me because I didn’t feel any chemistry or tension between Luzia and Santangel. I could detect the parts in the story where the author tried to shift that relationship into something more but it didn’t transport well. The two characters don’t spend enough time together to make me believe in the love we are told has built between them. And while the romance is not the main event of this tale, it is still significant to how the story unfolds. So me being unsatisfied with it definitely influenced my enjoyment of the book as a whole.
I liked the setting and I think the author did a great job showing us what life might have been like in Spain during the Spanish Inquisition, especially when you’re a Jew and have magic like Luzia, who turns out to be quite reckless and ambitious as well in order to get away from life as a servant who is constantly having to hide who she is to not get caught. An intriguing setup for sure. I wish we would have had the opportunity to delve deeper into this world and explore the magic more in depth.
The ending left me unsatisfied because it felt a bit too convenient.
All in all, I’m still glad I read this and I’d recommend it for the setting, the writing and most of Luzia’s story line, not so much for the romance, though. I appreciate that this is a standalone. No big commitment. I had an alright time with it.
The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a charming story. Something lovely and entertaining to read when you want to relax a bit, that leaves you with happy feels afterwards. A bit predictable but I can definitely recommend it if you're looking for something that feels somewhat like Austen but with a hint of magic added to it and do not mind multiple POVs, three in total.
I liked Nina's growth as a character from a naive young woman with dreams of a romance she's read of in books to a more mature, stronger version of herself, defying the constraints society and family try to put upon her, fighting and standing up for what she wants and who she is. The contrast between her and Valérie is interesting in that regard. Hector falls a bit flat compared to the two women, in my opinion, and I wished the magic would have been explored more but it hasn't taken away much from my enjoyment of the story.
I liked Nina's growth as a character from a naive young woman with dreams of a romance she's read of in books to a more mature, stronger version of herself, defying the constraints society and family try to put upon her, fighting and standing up for what she wants and who she is. The contrast between her and Valérie is interesting in that regard. Hector falls a bit flat compared to the two women, in my opinion, and I wished the magic would have been explored more but it hasn't taken away much from my enjoyment of the story.
Court of Wanderers by Rin Chupeco
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
3.5
The Sins on Their Bones by Laura R. Samotin
Did not finish book. Stopped at 54%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 54%.
Thank you Netgalley and Pinguin Random House Canada for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately, this book hasn't been for me and I finally DNF'ed it at 54%.
Please check out content warnings for this book on the author's website.
Spying in enemy territory, complex and messy relationships, complex, traumatised and morally grey characters, religious themes, dark rituals, trying to overthrow an evil overlord. That's what I wanted and expected from this book.
I appreciated the queernormative worldbuilding and the Jewish folklore-inspired parts have been interesting. Under different circumstances I would have liked to explore more of this.
The story is told in 3rd person POV from three different POVs, Dimitri, Vasily and Alexey. The characters didn't feel developed enough for me to connect with them, never really going beyond the role they play in the story. A strong connection to the characters is vital for my enjoyment of a story, so me not caring for the characters is the main reason why I DNF'ed and probably has tainted my view on other aspects of the story.
The pacing is very slow in this book. Nothing much more than some mild strategising happens in the first half and some glimpses of what the villain is up to. I thought the actual spying part would start sooner but Vasily has just arrived to do his work and met the villain where I left off. I usually love strategising, political manoeuvering, and political intrigue in books but I didn't find it particularly intriguing here.
I also wished we got to see more of the world the story takes place in. It's contained to two places mostly: where Dimitri's people reside and where the villain resides. We do get to see some other places very briefly but not enough, in my opinion. The creepy library with the strange librarian was fun though.
There is something about the writing that didn't work for me. It felt pretty dry overall and some of the dialogue didn't read natural due to being used to getting information across to the reader. There were some flashback kind of scenes that I found engaging enough though. They made me interested in a prequel that doesn't exist, and the more I think about it, the more it feels like this book reads like a sequel.
The most interesting to me were the folklore-inspired parts, the dark rituals, and the summoning of demons and angels and that's what I would tentatively recommend this book for.
Oh, and I kinda want a demon-detector goat now lol
Please check out content warnings for this book on the author's website.
Spying in enemy territory, complex and messy relationships, complex, traumatised and morally grey characters, religious themes, dark rituals, trying to overthrow an evil overlord. That's what I wanted and expected from this book.
I appreciated the queernormative worldbuilding and the Jewish folklore-inspired parts have been interesting. Under different circumstances I would have liked to explore more of this.
The story is told in 3rd person POV from three different POVs, Dimitri, Vasily and Alexey. The characters didn't feel developed enough for me to connect with them, never really going beyond the role they play in the story. A strong connection to the characters is vital for my enjoyment of a story, so me not caring for the characters is the main reason why I DNF'ed and probably has tainted my view on other aspects of the story.
The pacing is very slow in this book. Nothing much more than some mild strategising happens in the first half and some glimpses of what the villain is up to. I thought the actual spying part would start sooner but Vasily has just arrived to do his work and met the villain where I left off. I usually love strategising, political manoeuvering, and political intrigue in books but I didn't find it particularly intriguing here.
I also wished we got to see more of the world the story takes place in. It's contained to two places mostly: where Dimitri's people reside and where the villain resides. We do get to see some other places very briefly but not enough, in my opinion. The creepy library with the strange librarian was fun though.
There is something about the writing that didn't work for me. It felt pretty dry overall and some of the dialogue didn't read natural due to being used to getting information across to the reader. There were some flashback kind of scenes that I found engaging enough though. They made me interested in a prequel that doesn't exist, and the more I think about it, the more it feels like this book reads like a sequel.
The most interesting to me were the folklore-inspired parts, the dark rituals, and the summoning of demons and angels and that's what I would tentatively recommend this book for.
Oh, and I kinda want a demon-detector goat now lol