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merieshenanigans's reviews
643 reviews
Masters and Beginners by Daley Downing
3.0
I liked this book!
Being such an avid lover of fantasy, I expect a lot out of them. For instance, I'm glad to say that The Order of the Twelve Tribes wouldn't exactly count as a high or epic fantasy book. It's got some nice realistic concepts in it. It was well thought out. The world building was thorough and creative, nicely done. I liked this book.
MASTERS AND BEGINNERS is about the Driscolls, a family who belong to the mysterious and magical Order of the Twelve Tribes, who are a secret organization that deals with magic in the world where it's hidden from society. The Driscolls move in to a brand-new life full of unexpected surprises-- those of which include sith, fey, elves, and extremely powerful neighbors.
I really loved the Driscoll family. Sophie was a relatable heroine, except she didn't actually do anything the length of the story. By comparison it was usually someone outside the Driscoll family who actually did stuff. Which then naturally made the other characters endear themselves to me. Gwen and Alex were cool, and so were Jules and Sammy, although of course I'd want to see more of them. I did like seeing the few scenes from Emma's perspective though, probably because of how... important she was to the story. *cough cough*
I liked the world-building a lot, even though it was executed in more of a telling way rather than by showing. I don't hold any grudges against the author for that, because of how understandably difficult it would have been to really show all the world-building in this case. However, I do feel that a little more development and explanation could have gone into the part about magic, and its relationship to the supernatural (some of the beings were... rather... confounding to read about and kind of uneasy). And the part that I don't really appreciate reading about "magic" without being able to tell what exactly it counts as in a story.
There was some questionable content in this book, a few very mild swearing words that I hurried over. Also, one part I most certainly did NOT like was the romance. It was clean... for the most part (^^), with nothing beyond slightly suggestive, but it was quite superficial in the way it was formed. Like, it wasn't very realistic at all-- a little forced, but mostly rushed. There is an explanation for that in the book, but I still could have done happily without the insta-love, or even without romance at all, for that matter. There was also some violence, but none of it was overly gory or graphic or glorified in any way, and even though the story takes place around Halloween (what is it with me and unsuspectingly reading Halloween-themed books during October??), it wasn't at all creepy or whatever.
All in all, this was a pretty good book. It did have some minor typos and even some grammatical errors (which kept popping up everywhere in the book, by the way), but I certainly enjoyed my time reading it. However, this book is not for everyone and I did have some issues with it.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Stellae Books. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
Being such an avid lover of fantasy, I expect a lot out of them. For instance, I'm glad to say that The Order of the Twelve Tribes wouldn't exactly count as a high or epic fantasy book. It's got some nice realistic concepts in it. It was well thought out. The world building was thorough and creative, nicely done. I liked this book.
MASTERS AND BEGINNERS is about the Driscolls, a family who belong to the mysterious and magical Order of the Twelve Tribes, who are a secret organization that deals with magic in the world where it's hidden from society. The Driscolls move in to a brand-new life full of unexpected surprises-- those of which include sith, fey, elves, and extremely powerful neighbors.
I really loved the Driscoll family. Sophie was a relatable heroine, except she didn't actually do anything the length of the story. By comparison it was usually someone outside the Driscoll family who actually did stuff. Which then naturally made the other characters endear themselves to me. Gwen and Alex were cool, and so were Jules and Sammy, although of course I'd want to see more of them. I did like seeing the few scenes from Emma's perspective though, probably because of how... important she was to the story. *cough cough*
I liked the world-building a lot, even though it was executed in more of a telling way rather than by showing. I don't hold any grudges against the author for that, because of how understandably difficult it would have been to really show all the world-building in this case. However, I do feel that a little more development and explanation could have gone into the part about magic, and its relationship to the supernatural (some of the beings were... rather... confounding to read about and kind of uneasy). And the part that I don't really appreciate reading about "magic" without being able to tell what exactly it counts as in a story.
There was some questionable content in this book, a few very mild swearing words that I hurried over. Also, one part I most certainly did NOT like was the romance. It was clean... for the most part (^^), with nothing beyond slightly suggestive, but it was quite superficial in the way it was formed. Like, it wasn't very realistic at all-- a little forced, but mostly rushed. There is an explanation for that in the book, but I still could have done happily without the insta-love, or even without romance at all, for that matter. There was also some violence, but none of it was overly gory or graphic or glorified in any way, and even though the story takes place around Halloween (what is it with me and unsuspectingly reading Halloween-themed books during October??), it wasn't at all creepy or whatever.
All in all, this was a pretty good book. It did have some minor typos and even some grammatical errors (which kept popping up everywhere in the book, by the way), but I certainly enjoyed my time reading it. However, this book is not for everyone and I did have some issues with it.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Stellae Books. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
The Queen of Gold and Straw by Shari L. Tapscott
3.0
This is my first novel by Shari L. Tapscott and the most unique retelling of Rumpelstiltskin I have ever read.
QUEEN OF GOLD AND STRAW is told in the eyes of three people: Greta, the girl; Conrad, the king; and Rune, the elf. There is a virtual love triangle among these three characters, which immediately had me dismayed from the very start, because I hate love triangles. Well, I did easily predict the outcome of the romance (if you're familiar with the fairytale, you should be able to tell what happened), but I certainly did not expect it to come... in such an amazingly creative way.
Okay, so to tell the truth, I had a hard time getting into the story at first. I don't like present tense writing, but Ms. Tapscott's is smooth and easy to get used to. I guess the real problem was the fact that I didn't really like Greta, the main protagonist and my real issue with this story. I thought Greta was done quite nicely for the girl from Rumpelstiltskin... if a little too nicely. It kept annoying me how, in the POVs of Conrad and Rune (another thing: first-person, present-tense writing revolving around THREE different people? groan), they kept going on about how beautiful she was, how special she was, how much she deserved happiness-- which she did, okay, she did deserve a happily ever after! But halfway through the book, her cluelessness and listlessness became insufferable.
Also, guys, I like Rune better. That ending was HEARTBREAKING. I mean, how. dare. she. (Yes, Ms. Tapscott, I'm talking to you: how dare you make us feel this way about our precious golden elf boy?? How?? Why??) I loved that his love for Greta was real, so real and sincere that he would easily sacrifice his own happiness for her wellbeing. Sure, Conrad would too, I guess, but he just didn't strike my fancy the same way. Conrad was a little too... I don't know, a little too over-the-top I guess. Dark-handsome-human-playing-the-role-of-mad-king, competing against an elf prince? ... Yeah, sorry, man.
Aside from all that character stuff. I suppose the rest of the book was pretty well thought-out and engagingly written, if not a little tedious at times. As for content, I can't think of any language that came up, so it's safe from that. The romance got too intense at some moments and made me feel kind of uncomfortable (looks of longing, touching, a few kisses, etc.) sometimes, but other than that it was okay. However, might I add that I didn't enjoy watching Greta get swept off her feet by Conrad one moment, and then Rune the next. (LOVE TRIANGLES UGH)
All in all, I'd give this book a 3.5 star rating! Don't highly recommend it, had some minor issues, but other than that, I enjoyed it. However I would recommend it as a must-read for Rumpelstiltskin fans, because I've never seen this fairytale redone this way, and it was very unique and original.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
QUEEN OF GOLD AND STRAW is told in the eyes of three people: Greta, the girl; Conrad, the king; and Rune, the elf. There is a virtual love triangle among these three characters, which immediately had me dismayed from the very start, because I hate love triangles. Well, I did easily predict the outcome of the romance (if you're familiar with the fairytale, you should be able to tell what happened), but I certainly did not expect it to come... in such an amazingly creative way.
Okay, so to tell the truth, I had a hard time getting into the story at first. I don't like present tense writing, but Ms. Tapscott's is smooth and easy to get used to. I guess the real problem was the fact that I didn't really like Greta, the main protagonist and my real issue with this story. I thought Greta was done quite nicely for the girl from Rumpelstiltskin... if a little too nicely. It kept annoying me how, in the POVs of Conrad and Rune (another thing: first-person, present-tense writing revolving around THREE different people? groan), they kept going on about how beautiful she was, how special she was, how much she deserved happiness-- which she did, okay, she did deserve a happily ever after! But halfway through the book, her cluelessness and listlessness became insufferable.
Also, guys, I like Rune better. That ending was HEARTBREAKING. I mean, how. dare. she. (Yes, Ms. Tapscott, I'm talking to you: how dare you make us feel this way about our precious golden elf boy?? How?? Why??) I loved that his love for Greta was real, so real and sincere that he would easily sacrifice his own happiness for her wellbeing. Sure, Conrad would too, I guess, but he just didn't strike my fancy the same way. Conrad was a little too... I don't know, a little too over-the-top I guess. Dark-handsome-human-playing-the-role-of-mad-king, competing against an elf prince? ... Yeah, sorry, man.
Aside from all that character stuff. I suppose the rest of the book was pretty well thought-out and engagingly written, if not a little tedious at times. As for content, I can't think of any language that came up, so it's safe from that. The romance got too intense at some moments and made me feel kind of uncomfortable (looks of longing, touching, a few kisses, etc.) sometimes, but other than that it was okay. However, might I add that I didn't enjoy watching Greta get swept off her feet by Conrad one moment, and then Rune the next. (LOVE TRIANGLES UGH)
All in all, I'd give this book a 3.5 star rating! Don't highly recommend it, had some minor issues, but other than that, I enjoyed it. However I would recommend it as a must-read for Rumpelstiltskin fans, because I've never seen this fairytale redone this way, and it was very unique and original.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Winter Cursed by Nicki Chapelway
4.0
Amazing book! This is a sweet, dark fantasy novella with Nordic and Celtic mythical elements sprinkled in, as well as unique ties to the original fairytale. The magic mirror, the wicked queen, the huntsman, the charming prince, the seven dwarfs, the poisoned apple– it’s all in there. Just modified, to make it a bit more fun.
The characters are each wonderful and likable in their own ways. Elisabeth was pretty naïve, which was kind of annoying, but she is Snow White, so it makes enough sense. Ismena was the perfect Wicked Queen, as evil as the original jealous stepmother… only this time, her plight could be understood, and they were even sympathetic to a believable point. Then, of course, there are the seven dwarfs– probably like my favorite aspect of the original story! And Nicki’s dwarfs were hilariously awesome. Seriously, it’s impossible to choose a favorite out of that lot.
BUT THEN, THERE’S CEDRIC. I honestly first thought he’d be the stereotypical dark, brooding, caustic sort of guy, but after reading his first line in the book he was officially confirmed amazing. And can I just say, how much it irked me that Elisabeth didn’t like him until… well… until, you know, that happened? (Know what that was?)
Anyway, this book was very good! I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for this story.
The characters are each wonderful and likable in their own ways. Elisabeth was pretty naïve, which was kind of annoying, but she is Snow White, so it makes enough sense. Ismena was the perfect Wicked Queen, as evil as the original jealous stepmother… only this time, her plight could be understood, and they were even sympathetic to a believable point. Then, of course, there are the seven dwarfs– probably like my favorite aspect of the original story! And Nicki’s dwarfs were hilariously awesome. Seriously, it’s impossible to choose a favorite out of that lot.
BUT THEN, THERE’S CEDRIC. I honestly first thought he’d be the stereotypical dark, brooding, caustic sort of guy, but after reading his first line in the book he was officially confirmed amazing. And can I just say, how much it irked me that Elisabeth didn’t like him until… well… until, you know, that happened? (Know what that was?)
Anyway, this book was very good! I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for this story.