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optimalbook's reviews
68 reviews
The Silverblood Promise by James Logan
adventurous
medium-paced
4.25
Really strong debut novel from James Logan. I found it to be a lot of fun, and at times reminiscent of a D&D campaign (in a good way). While you can tell it's a debut novel, it feels pretty polished and I am very much so looking forward to book two.
He Who Fights With Monsters Book 10 by Shirtaloon
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Another excellent entry into the series, things are really starting to ramp up in terms of stakes and power. It's also the first time a book in the series, that I can recall, ended midway through the major event taking place. I'm curious to see if the pay off in book 11 is worth it.
Beware of Chicken 1 by Casualfarmer
fast-paced
4.25
Funny, witty, and plays with tropes common in Xianxia and Isekai in great ways. The comedy lands for me more often then not, and I never expected to love and care for the struggles of a Rooster in a Xianxia world, yet I do. Overall a feel good story centered on ideas of found-family, and what it means to use and have power all wrapped up in a comedy. There are some small quibbles I have when it comes to the passage of time or how much food has been harvested/given out (this is particularly relevant after certain events later into the novel before winter hits). I would also like to see in future books how Jin's introduction of small technology advances progresses his own homestead and the neighboring village but that could be the focus of future books in the series.
The only note I'd like to add is that I think your enjoyment of this book will depend greatly on your own knowledge of the Xianxia/Cultivation Fantasy and Isekai genres as the subversions and jokes may not work as well. That said, if you still want to give it a read there is plenty to enjoy.
The only note I'd like to add is that I think your enjoyment of this book will depend greatly on your own knowledge of the Xianxia/Cultivation Fantasy and Isekai genres as the subversions and jokes may not work as well. That said, if you still want to give it a read there is plenty to enjoy.
Mark of the Fool 2: A Progression Fantasy Epic by J.M. Clarke
medium-paced
4.0
A solid follow up to the first book in the series. The aspects I enjoyed, such as the friendship, worlding building etc. stayed strong -- and the aspects I was a bit unsure of from the first one remained as well. Overall I think the positives outweigh any negatives, and the book remains a fun ride if not a bit long in tooth at times. I look forward to reading book three, but I have taken a break from the series.
Mark of the Fool by J.M. Clarke
medium-paced
4.0
Pretty fun first book in the series. It has some elements that for those who don't enjoy GameLit/LitRPG tropes/power systems. I think the world is very compelling and the characters and friendships endearing. I think the focus on the academic/class setting is really interesting but perhaps the study of magic takes too much of a focus at times. Would definitely recommend to people wanting to try GameLit, or looking for something new in the genre.
The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
I am so very conflicted on this novel. The first 2/3rds were overall pretty good I loved the coming of age story of Arlen and Leesha and was curious to see where Rojer's story would go. My issues are however the strong focus on sex and "breeding" and the usage of SA later in the novel.
While I do believe Brett was trying to critique the diminished role of women in this world and dissuade notions of "virginal purity" it felt both heavy handed and simultaneously not dissuaded enough. The novel opens and closes with ideas of womanhood equating to birthing children and that birthing children is the end all be all.
Additionally, I kept waiting for Arlen's views on the world and on everyones roles in it to be questioned and become more reasoned but in the end Arlen's views feel mostly unchanged and unchallenged. I hope this is something addressed in the later novels.
As of now I think I will most likely continue though book 2 is not high on my TBR.
While I do believe Brett was trying to critique the diminished role of women in this world and dissuade notions of "virginal purity" it felt both heavy handed and simultaneously not dissuaded enough. The novel opens and closes with ideas of womanhood equating to birthing children and that birthing children is the end all be all.
Additionally, I kept waiting for Arlen's views on the world and on everyones roles in it to be questioned and become more reasoned but in the end Arlen's views feel mostly unchanged and unchallenged. I hope this is something addressed in the later novels.
As of now I think I will most likely continue though book 2 is not high on my TBR.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Pedophilia
The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington
4.25
Really fun, definitely a weaker entry than Islington's The Will of the Many but that's to be expected for his his earlier work. It's a story that wears its influences on it's sleeve but is still it's own thing with unique plot elements and strong characters.
The Will of the Many by James Islington
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
5.0
I can't really put into words without spoiling how amazing this book was. The last quarter are really something special and turned this into a drop everything and read it series for me. Strong contender for 2024's 2023's book of the year