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kitvaria_sarene's reviews
2366 reviews
Toric's Dagger by Jamie Edmundson
3.0
Toric's Dagger by Jamie Edmundson works probably have worked a lot better for me some years ago.
Having read as many fantasy books as I have, it just felt a bit too stereotypical, and predictable.
I did like the tone and voice of the two main characters, but some of the side characters felt a bit too two dimensional to me, as well as fulfilling the typical tropes.
Some scenes just felt weird and disjointed, like they had been stuck in there with sticky tape, instead of an organic part of the story, like I've specific scene meeting two wizards.
I found the start of the story intriguing, but sadly lost interest the farther i read, and by the end I wasn't interested enough anymore to pick up any sequels, despite owning the whole omnibus.
Overall it might well appeal to those looking for an easier epic read, with a familiar cast on a quest.
Having read as many fantasy books as I have, it just felt a bit too stereotypical, and predictable.
I did like the tone and voice of the two main characters, but some of the side characters felt a bit too two dimensional to me, as well as fulfilling the typical tropes.
Some scenes just felt weird and disjointed, like they had been stuck in there with sticky tape, instead of an organic part of the story, like I've specific scene meeting two wizards.
I found the start of the story intriguing, but sadly lost interest the farther i read, and by the end I wasn't interested enough anymore to pick up any sequels, despite owning the whole omnibus.
Overall it might well appeal to those looking for an easier epic read, with a familiar cast on a quest.
Children of Rima: Seeds of the Fallen by Miriam Yvette
2.0
Read for SPFBO, this is only my personal opinion, group verdict might differ widely..🔥
Sadly I couldn't get into this book at all.
I did like the illustrations, map and layout. However there are plenty of typos, or rather creative word uses, which just felt off to me.
There's a whole lot of telling early on, and the dialogue just doesn't feel like organic to me.
Sadly I couldn't get into this book at all.
I did like the illustrations, map and layout. However there are plenty of typos, or rather creative word uses, which just felt off to me.
There's a whole lot of telling early on, and the dialogue just doesn't feel like organic to me.
Unbound by Michael R. Miller
5.0
Unbound by Michael R. Miller is the second book in a classic style fantasy series, which easily drew me in!
I absolutely love Holt and Ash, and was very happy to see their bond grow and stretch and become even more than it was.
I also enjoyed seeing the other main characters from different perspectives, and delve ever deeper into their thoughts. Be it a princess who's all of a sudden bound up in all the responsibilities, who has to adapt to her new life, or a villain who might have quite some humanity left on him after all. Or not? This made the whole story quite unpredictable, and I was surprised quite a few times along the way.
This book is quite a bit slower than book one, with less action, and instead more politics, world building and character development, but I liked it no less for that. In my eyes it's quite a good middle book, giving more meat to the overall world, and setting up ever more problems and mysteries to solve in the next one.
I would definitely highly recommend it to everyone who enjoys an epic fantasy that feels like one of the classics, but has a way more modern and quick style!
I absolutely love Holt and Ash, and was very happy to see their bond grow and stretch and become even more than it was.
I also enjoyed seeing the other main characters from different perspectives, and delve ever deeper into their thoughts. Be it a princess who's all of a sudden bound up in all the responsibilities, who has to adapt to her new life, or a villain who might have quite some humanity left on him after all. Or not? This made the whole story quite unpredictable, and I was surprised quite a few times along the way.
This book is quite a bit slower than book one, with less action, and instead more politics, world building and character development, but I liked it no less for that. In my eyes it's quite a good middle book, giving more meat to the overall world, and setting up ever more problems and mysteries to solve in the next one.
I would definitely highly recommend it to everyone who enjoys an epic fantasy that feels like one of the classics, but has a way more modern and quick style!
A Matter of Execution by Nicholas Atwater, Olivia Atwater
5.0
A Matter of Execution by Nicholas and Olivia Atwater was one fantastic read!
If you want some swashbuckling fantasy, that's full of charm, adventure, a diverse cast, fun and plenty of banter, this is plain gold.
I adored the main character, who is a pirate captain who really cares for his crew. Oh and he's a goblin...
There's a very strong found family in here. A teenage girl who loves books and stealing things, a disabled crew mate, so it's just normal that everyone has learned sign language, a big man who would rather use his giant hands to heal than harm, a former lady of high standing, and others, who just trust each other unconditionally.
I loved how the tropes were often intentionally turned upside down, which made it both familiar and unique.
This gem of a novella is somewhere between cosy and adventurous, and was just pure joy to read from the first to the last page!
If you want some swashbuckling fantasy, that's full of charm, adventure, a diverse cast, fun and plenty of banter, this is plain gold.
I adored the main character, who is a pirate captain who really cares for his crew. Oh and he's a goblin...
There's a very strong found family in here. A teenage girl who loves books and stealing things, a disabled crew mate, so it's just normal that everyone has learned sign language, a big man who would rather use his giant hands to heal than harm, a former lady of high standing, and others, who just trust each other unconditionally.
I loved how the tropes were often intentionally turned upside down, which made it both familiar and unique.
This gem of a novella is somewhere between cosy and adventurous, and was just pure joy to read from the first to the last page!
If the Walls Fall by K. Malady
3.0
Read for SPFBO, this is only my personal opinion, group verdict might differ widely!
If the Walls Fall by K. Malady is not my personal cup of tea.
I'd put it on the YA shelf, due to its prose and story, but the spice level in some bits is more New Adult. The MC is a young woman who definitely wants to satisfy her hormones, and there's plenty of talk about condoms and her favourite spicy scenes from books all the way through the book.
This was the main problem for me, the whole story felt too easy and predictable. The voice and tone was fine enough for me to finish the book, but the big reveals and fight scenes just fell really flat. Either I saw it coming from miles away, or it felt like a hyped up moment was just handled within two paragraphs.
I did not enjoy the typical girl who is not special, but has to decide between two boys trope. The romance in itself felt a bit half baked even to me, and I'm not even a romance reader. It just didn't really feel organic to me.
I did like how the main character didn't turn into a perfect fighter within two minutes, but actually stayed herself throughout the book.
All in all an entertaining book, I don't regret reading, but with too many flaws and inconsistencies.
If the Walls Fall by K. Malady is not my personal cup of tea.
I'd put it on the YA shelf, due to its prose and story, but the spice level in some bits is more New Adult. The MC is a young woman who definitely wants to satisfy her hormones, and there's plenty of talk about condoms and her favourite spicy scenes from books all the way through the book.
This was the main problem for me, the whole story felt too easy and predictable. The voice and tone was fine enough for me to finish the book, but the big reveals and fight scenes just fell really flat. Either I saw it coming from miles away, or it felt like a hyped up moment was just handled within two paragraphs.
I did not enjoy the typical girl who is not special, but has to decide between two boys trope. The romance in itself felt a bit half baked even to me, and I'm not even a romance reader. It just didn't really feel organic to me.
I did like how the main character didn't turn into a perfect fighter within two minutes, but actually stayed herself throughout the book.
All in all an entertaining book, I don't regret reading, but with too many flaws and inconsistencies.
Bloodwoven by G.J. Terral
4.0
Bloodwoven by G.J. Terral is way more about the characters and world than it is about the plot.
For a quick read, the world building is quite deep and intriguing, and I was easily drawn in, exploring ever more.
The characters felt well rounded, and all have flaws as well as strengths. The book pivots around a man who was tasked to guard a couple, but when one of them is murdered, he is torn between two possible murderers. And because this isn't hard enough, the woman who he is meant to despise for being a kind of heretic, using magic in the wrong way, is kinda making sense... So it's a battle between his upbringing and indoctrination, against a truth that might be utterly different.
This inner conflict was portrayed very well, but I personally would have liked a bit more actual plot to pad it all up around the edges.
Tye fight scenes and world building were interesting and well written, and the voice catchy enough to easily hook me, it just missed a little something to make it a favourite read.
For a quick read, the world building is quite deep and intriguing, and I was easily drawn in, exploring ever more.
The characters felt well rounded, and all have flaws as well as strengths. The book pivots around a man who was tasked to guard a couple, but when one of them is murdered, he is torn between two possible murderers. And because this isn't hard enough, the woman who he is meant to despise for being a kind of heretic, using magic in the wrong way, is kinda making sense... So it's a battle between his upbringing and indoctrination, against a truth that might be utterly different.
This inner conflict was portrayed very well, but I personally would have liked a bit more actual plot to pad it all up around the edges.
Tye fight scenes and world building were interesting and well written, and the voice catchy enough to easily hook me, it just missed a little something to make it a favourite read.
Under Ordshaw by Phil Williams
3.5
As someone who's always on the lookout for female led Urban Fantasy which is not in fact a Paranormal Romance, I can't even tell you how much I loved Under Ordshaw by Phil Williams.
The main character is a rather pragmatic young woman who earns her living playing cards. She gets sucked into quite the adventure, and rescues a tiny fairy. A very sweary fairy!
I loved the humour and banter between these two, which made a nice balance for a darker backstory.
One of the most important side characters was well developed as well, and fascinating to read. He's out to do the right thing, but in order to achieve what he deems right, he's willing to do anything. On the one hand you know he's a bad person. Williams managed to write him in such a way, you still understand him in a way. I love it when there's more shades of grey instead of clear cut black and white characters.
This was one fast and entertaining read, which I devoured in no time at all!
But not just the style was catching, I also adored the world building! I mean the dark underbelly of a city is not a new idea, but the way it was interwoven with the normal world, and the creatures had me intrigued right away. There's a lot of cool ideas there, and the mad mix of creatures, magic and fairies with guns just worked!
The main character is a rather pragmatic young woman who earns her living playing cards. She gets sucked into quite the adventure, and rescues a tiny fairy. A very sweary fairy!
I loved the humour and banter between these two, which made a nice balance for a darker backstory.
One of the most important side characters was well developed as well, and fascinating to read. He's out to do the right thing, but in order to achieve what he deems right, he's willing to do anything. On the one hand you know he's a bad person. Williams managed to write him in such a way, you still understand him in a way. I love it when there's more shades of grey instead of clear cut black and white characters.
This was one fast and entertaining read, which I devoured in no time at all!
But not just the style was catching, I also adored the world building! I mean the dark underbelly of a city is not a new idea, but the way it was interwoven with the normal world, and the creatures had me intrigued right away. There's a lot of cool ideas there, and the mad mix of creatures, magic and fairies with guns just worked!
The Ashen Orb Bounty by Patrick Dugan
4.0
Read for SPFBO, this is only my personal opinion, group verdict might differ widely. 🔥
The Ashen Orb Bounty by Patrick Dugan was a super fun romp, reminiscent of D&S adventures.
If you're looking for something deep and unique, this is not it at all. If you're looking for something quick easy, fun and due to plenty beloved tropes comfy, then this is a great choice!
There's a few things I found annoying, but mostly I enjoyed the banter, the group dynamics, the quest for a relic, and the world built around different groups vying for the best jobs.
The end is pretty open, which wasn't a let down for me, but rather made me curious about what will happen in book two, so for me it worked well.
The Ashen Orb Bounty by Patrick Dugan was a super fun romp, reminiscent of D&S adventures.
If you're looking for something deep and unique, this is not it at all. If you're looking for something quick easy, fun and due to plenty beloved tropes comfy, then this is a great choice!
There's a few things I found annoying, but mostly I enjoyed the banter, the group dynamics, the quest for a relic, and the world built around different groups vying for the best jobs.
The end is pretty open, which wasn't a let down for me, but rather made me curious about what will happen in book two, so for me it worked well.
Effigest by Amy Campbell
4.0
Effigest by Amy Campbell is the second book in the series, and I enjoyed it a lot again!
The main character is ACE, which makes for a great change with all the steamy romance around these days.
The characters are just as likeable as with the first book, but the story got even more enticing and there are some nice twists along the way!
I still adore the pegasi. They definitely are my favourite bit about this series, and they mix well with the light wild west feel to it.
The main character is ACE, which makes for a great change with all the steamy romance around these days.
The characters are just as likeable as with the first book, but the story got even more enticing and there are some nice twists along the way!
I still adore the pegasi. They definitely are my favourite bit about this series, and they mix well with the light wild west feel to it.
No Such Thing as Werewolves by Chris Fox
2.0
No Such Thing as Werewolves by Chris Fox started off promising, but sadly took a direction that lost me more and more the farther I read.
We start of with a rather clichéd cast. The one scientist who doesn't actually a degree being the best, the ex girlfriend who cheated, and her ex best friend, who can't be in the same room now, the super cold but efficient military man, the handy gun nut who has all the weapons and despite being a scientist, not a soldier or anything, who somehow is awesome at combat and doesn't even flinch in the worst moments.
I could look past that, as I loved the science hook and the tone and voice was engaging.
However I soon got annoyed by the writing style, which had quite a bit of the male gaze, noticing boobs and the way the women interacted. I also found the romance angle super annoying, when you just learned the world might end, but what are you worrying about? Sure, you're relationships...
The action scenes were nice and I enjoyed the fights and the fast pace there. However they got less and less "realistic". Yes I know werewolves aren't realistic on the first place, but some of them just went beyond cool into "I can't take this seriously, now I find it funny instead of exciting".
And then the science also seemed to go the same way, becoming ever weirder and as one character keeps calling it "woo-woo".
This could definitely find it's fans, no doubt about that, but sadly it wasn't my personal cup of tea.
We start of with a rather clichéd cast. The one scientist who doesn't actually a degree being the best, the ex girlfriend who cheated, and her ex best friend, who can't be in the same room now, the super cold but efficient military man, the handy gun nut who has all the weapons and despite being a scientist, not a soldier or anything, who somehow is awesome at combat and doesn't even flinch in the worst moments.
I could look past that, as I loved the science hook and the tone and voice was engaging.
However I soon got annoyed by the writing style, which had quite a bit of the male gaze, noticing boobs and the way the women interacted. I also found the romance angle super annoying, when you just learned the world might end, but what are you worrying about? Sure, you're relationships...
The action scenes were nice and I enjoyed the fights and the fast pace there. However they got less and less "realistic". Yes I know werewolves aren't realistic on the first place, but some of them just went beyond cool into "I can't take this seriously, now I find it funny instead of exciting".
And then the science also seemed to go the same way, becoming ever weirder and as one character keeps calling it "woo-woo".
This could definitely find it's fans, no doubt about that, but sadly it wasn't my personal cup of tea.