mythandmagic's reviews
422 reviews

Queer Windows: Volume 1 Spring by Cay Fletcher

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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? It's complicated

4.75

I really enjoyed this collection of four short stories. The characters were endearing and relatable, and the descriptions were vivid and beautiful. The stories had a Studio Ghibli-esque feel to them--characters living life in the garden and natural world, appreciating every moment. My favourites were The Wizard's Garden and Lady of Spring. 

Soul Haven by Shannon Curry

hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

This is an inspiring collection of poetry. I loved the vivid imagery of the poems as well as the illustrations interspersed throughout the collection. My favourite poems were Just an Island, Yellow, Rainsong, and The Bird's Sketch.

When Witches Sing: Yuletide Special by Aelina Isaacs

emotional funny lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

4.5

This was a fun cozy fantasy novella which still had enough action for a well-balanced plot. I enjoyed the sweet (and spicy) interactions between Arlo and Thatch as well as the polyamorous relationship between four of the younger witches. The animal companions were a delight as well. Highly recommend the main Adventures in Levena books if you haven't already read them.

Good Intentions: You know what they say about the road to Hell by M.A. Ruth

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

4.5

This was an enjoyable YA read. It started out a bit slow, but soon there were twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat not knowing what would happen next. It could use a final edit due to some moments where it changed tenses, but they weren't too distracting. I loved the relationship between Rowan and Ally--joyful and tense moments in equal measure. The storyteller, Ro, had good senses of humour and sarcasm that kept the book lighthearted and fun despite being set in Hell. 

Trying to Kill the Sun by T.F. Author

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

4.5

Fans of superhero comics/media will enjoy this. I liked how there was a lot of focus on the sidekick's point of view rather than only the main hero like in most superhero stories. This was a humourous, unique story that explored relatable issues.

Tempered in Ash by Willo Glenn

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

4.75

I loved this book! It was a funny, action-packed sapphic high fantasy. The relationships never felt forced and neither did the character growth. I enjoyed how Ilde wasn't the stereotypical paladin-type. She had to grow into her role yet still swore just as often. Also loved Madris the autistic-coded elf. She and Ilde are perfect for each other and I've already bought the short story that'll focus on them: Divinity and Desperation. Joyanna, I think, was my favourite character though--she was hilarious and such a strong woman to look up to.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Grief

Shadow of a Memory by R.C. Beine

5.0

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

5.0

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

3.0

Forever Torn by Jason Greenfield

5.0