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oracle_of_madness's Reviews (1.33k)
This takes place in a land where a war is just beginning. The humans are fighting against Nilfgaard and also starting a pogrom against all with elvish blood. In the center of this war is Ciri, a child of destiny. Some want to kill her, others want to use her but Geralt of Rivia wants to protect her.
The story begins with a heated debate brought on by Dandilion’s performance of ballads that speak more truth than the frivolous poetry they could be. This debate updates the reader on current affairs and what has led up to this point. There is also a very obvious relevance to real world issues based on the racially induced treatment of the elves.
Yennefer is also introduced as the story slowly begins to reveal itself in the details.
While not only Geralt, but numerous main characters go out of their way to train and protect Ciri, the princess of Cintra, the kings of the land are dealing with the encroaching attacks of Nilfgaard and this leads to some very interesting political debates.
In the next installment, The Time of Contempt, I am anxious to see what the future holds for Ciri and her protectors, especially The White Wolf, Geralt of Rivia.
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!!!
For more reviews:
https://oracleofmadness.tumblr.com/
The story begins with a heated debate brought on by Dandilion’s performance of ballads that speak more truth than the frivolous poetry they could be. This debate updates the reader on current affairs and what has led up to this point. There is also a very obvious relevance to real world issues based on the racially induced treatment of the elves.
Yennefer is also introduced as the story slowly begins to reveal itself in the details.
While not only Geralt, but numerous main characters go out of their way to train and protect Ciri, the princess of Cintra, the kings of the land are dealing with the encroaching attacks of Nilfgaard and this leads to some very interesting political debates.
In the next installment, The Time of Contempt, I am anxious to see what the future holds for Ciri and her protectors, especially The White Wolf, Geralt of Rivia.
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!!!
For more reviews:
https://oracleofmadness.tumblr.com/
This is Leigh Bardugo’s first adult fantasy book. As you may be able to imagine, I was very excited to read Ninth House, however, I must admit, that it is not a favourite of mine of Bardugo’s or of the fantasy genre in general.
This is a crime/murder- mystery with an emphasis on the occult. Alex, whose real name is Galaxy, is a recovering addict with a very intense back story. She finds herself working in Lethe House at Yale, with the job of sorta being in charge of making sure the Big Houses (Skull and Bones being one of them) behave themselves as they dabble in the arcane. The reason Alex finds herself in this position is because she has the amazing ability of seeing Grays, or ghosts.
It really is an interesting and exciting tale. I was trying to figure out if perhaps “seeing ghosts” was a metaphor for a real world problem. Alex started using drugs at age 12 to deal with the stress of her sight, which can easily be compared to a person dealing with depression, mental illness or abuse, turning to drugs at a young age to self-medicate or escape. I found myself relating somewhat to her past, but I was unable to relate to her present and current status.
I really did enjoy this book, though. At first, it was a little heavy for me but after I reached a point, it quickly became a page turner. So, I want to recommend it, but I do want to point out that there ARE some triggering parts to it concerning her past that deal with sexual assault. So, BE WARNED. But, I wound up really loving the ending. And I think I may have to read the next book in the series!
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!!!
For more reviews:
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/oracleofmadness
This is a crime/murder- mystery with an emphasis on the occult. Alex, whose real name is Galaxy, is a recovering addict with a very intense back story. She finds herself working in Lethe House at Yale, with the job of sorta being in charge of making sure the Big Houses (Skull and Bones being one of them) behave themselves as they dabble in the arcane. The reason Alex finds herself in this position is because she has the amazing ability of seeing Grays, or ghosts.
It really is an interesting and exciting tale. I was trying to figure out if perhaps “seeing ghosts” was a metaphor for a real world problem. Alex started using drugs at age 12 to deal with the stress of her sight, which can easily be compared to a person dealing with depression, mental illness or abuse, turning to drugs at a young age to self-medicate or escape. I found myself relating somewhat to her past, but I was unable to relate to her present and current status.
I really did enjoy this book, though. At first, it was a little heavy for me but after I reached a point, it quickly became a page turner. So, I want to recommend it, but I do want to point out that there ARE some triggering parts to it concerning her past that deal with sexual assault. So, BE WARNED. But, I wound up really loving the ending. And I think I may have to read the next book in the series!
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!!!
For more reviews:
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/oracleofmadness
Everyone is still under threat of the Scoia-Tael, the Squirrels, a name for the elves that adorn their hats with squirrel tails and attack and ambush mankind. At the same time, Everyone is still in even more danger from Nilfgaard.
This book begins with Dandelion being attacked by a man named Reince. He portals away but not before Yennefer leaves him marked with distinctive facial burns. Geralt is looking for answers to why this man is looking for Ciri. One thing is for certain, a powerful wizard is assisting Reince in his endeavors.
Ciri, or Cirrilla, is in so much danger because she is believed to be the only remaining person in line for the throne of Cintra which is now under Nilfgaard control. Her grandmother was the great Lioness, Calanthe, a very strong monarch who left Ciri to be called the Lion Cub. Ciri is also known as being The Child of the Elder Blood, which this book makes the meaning of more clear.
Ciri is mainly in Yennefer’s care, who is planning on sending her to school where she will be locked away and hopefully safe. However, Ciri not only has her own plans, but those hunting for Ciri have their own plans that make this impossible.
Geralt wants to stay Neutral while the lands are in turmoil. He doesn’t want to choose whose side he is on. This is becoming increasingly difficult for him as Nilfgaard keeps moving in and is now convincing other strong monarchs to join their side. Eventually, for Ciri, for Yennefer, for Dandelion, Geralt of Rivia will have to choose who he not only stands with but who he fights for.
I loved the complex politics and maneuvering that happened in this book. These first 2 books are so different than the prequels. They are so much more serious and intense and I LOVE IT!!!
(Ps…. there are unicorns in this book, so … yeah, its awesome just because of that alone)
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!!!
This book begins with Dandelion being attacked by a man named Reince. He portals away but not before Yennefer leaves him marked with distinctive facial burns. Geralt is looking for answers to why this man is looking for Ciri. One thing is for certain, a powerful wizard is assisting Reince in his endeavors.
Ciri, or Cirrilla, is in so much danger because she is believed to be the only remaining person in line for the throne of Cintra which is now under Nilfgaard control. Her grandmother was the great Lioness, Calanthe, a very strong monarch who left Ciri to be called the Lion Cub. Ciri is also known as being The Child of the Elder Blood, which this book makes the meaning of more clear.
Ciri is mainly in Yennefer’s care, who is planning on sending her to school where she will be locked away and hopefully safe. However, Ciri not only has her own plans, but those hunting for Ciri have their own plans that make this impossible.
Geralt wants to stay Neutral while the lands are in turmoil. He doesn’t want to choose whose side he is on. This is becoming increasingly difficult for him as Nilfgaard keeps moving in and is now convincing other strong monarchs to join their side. Eventually, for Ciri, for Yennefer, for Dandelion, Geralt of Rivia will have to choose who he not only stands with but who he fights for.
I loved the complex politics and maneuvering that happened in this book. These first 2 books are so different than the prequels. They are so much more serious and intense and I LOVE IT!!!
(Ps…. there are unicorns in this book, so … yeah, its awesome just because of that alone)
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!!!
This story begins with Jehan finding himself buried in paperwork, which he hates. However, he may be expecting the boredom of this seemingly endless paperwork but what he doesn’t expect is the explosive attack on the nearby metro.
Jehan works at the Institute and he is the creator of a drug called Amven which is supposed to make people less violent and more docile. However, he may have his own beneficent ideals for this drugs use, but others want to use it to gain power. Jehan wants to keep the drug out of the hands of politicians, even if that means betraying his close friend and mentor, the Prime Minister.
This is when the reader will meet a few other very colorful characters, the son and daughter of the prime minister, Abhijat and Rito. Abhijat left the army to revenge his father and becomes the prime example of when hatred and vengeance blind a person to the truth.
This book is full of intense political maneuvering but the author makes it so much fun to read and easy to understand. Chowdhury is a pro at writing intriguing dynamic characters and, I must say, that this book went in a direction that I never saw coming and I LOVED IT. The serious nature of political manipulation mixed with the appropriate and distinctive sense of humor the author uses makes for a genuinely fun read that I could not put down.
I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to seeing more from the author, Nupur Chowdhury!
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!!!
For more reviews:
https://oracleofmadness.tumblr.com/
Jehan works at the Institute and he is the creator of a drug called Amven which is supposed to make people less violent and more docile. However, he may have his own beneficent ideals for this drugs use, but others want to use it to gain power. Jehan wants to keep the drug out of the hands of politicians, even if that means betraying his close friend and mentor, the Prime Minister.
This is when the reader will meet a few other very colorful characters, the son and daughter of the prime minister, Abhijat and Rito. Abhijat left the army to revenge his father and becomes the prime example of when hatred and vengeance blind a person to the truth.
This book is full of intense political maneuvering but the author makes it so much fun to read and easy to understand. Chowdhury is a pro at writing intriguing dynamic characters and, I must say, that this book went in a direction that I never saw coming and I LOVED IT. The serious nature of political manipulation mixed with the appropriate and distinctive sense of humor the author uses makes for a genuinely fun read that I could not put down.
I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to seeing more from the author, Nupur Chowdhury!
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!!!
For more reviews:
https://oracleofmadness.tumblr.com/
This, the third book in the Witcher series, begins with Geralt healing in the forest of Brokilon with the help of the dryads while the outside world has erupted in chaos. This is where the reader meets Milva, AKA Maria, whom I did not have a good first impression of, however, that changed throughout the book as I got to know her better.
Milva brings Geralt news of the outside world, accidentally leading him to believe that Ciri has been taken by the enemy, Nilfgaard. This belief sets the Witcher on his journey to rescue Ciri with the help of initially just the bard Dandelion. Geralt’s retinue grows to include a diverse crew of misfits who refuse to leave his side. Much like Ciri and her involvement in the gang, The Rats, Geralt is overcome by unexpected friendships.
The land they travel through is war torn and full of horrific scenes of the aftermath of battle and pillaging. The ghastly leavings of war are not only found in the remains of burned villages, but in the gathering of desperate people. Desperate people that will point fingers and blame anyone weaker than them resulting in pure savagery.
This book eluded to much that was prophesied and did manage to answer some questions. Another thrilling read in The Witcher series, but for all the questions it DID answer, it still left me with more unanswered questions that are driving me crazy!
Next up is the fourth book in the series, The Tower of Swallows! Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!!
For more reviews:
https://oracleofmadness.tumblr.com/
Milva brings Geralt news of the outside world, accidentally leading him to believe that Ciri has been taken by the enemy, Nilfgaard. This belief sets the Witcher on his journey to rescue Ciri with the help of initially just the bard Dandelion. Geralt’s retinue grows to include a diverse crew of misfits who refuse to leave his side. Much like Ciri and her involvement in the gang, The Rats, Geralt is overcome by unexpected friendships.
The land they travel through is war torn and full of horrific scenes of the aftermath of battle and pillaging. The ghastly leavings of war are not only found in the remains of burned villages, but in the gathering of desperate people. Desperate people that will point fingers and blame anyone weaker than them resulting in pure savagery.
This book eluded to much that was prophesied and did manage to answer some questions. Another thrilling read in The Witcher series, but for all the questions it DID answer, it still left me with more unanswered questions that are driving me crazy!
Next up is the fourth book in the series, The Tower of Swallows! Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!!
For more reviews:
https://oracleofmadness.tumblr.com/
Right now it is the autumnal equinox, Velen, and the people are celebrating and feasting throughout the land. However, as night fell, this did not hold back the nightmares that came to life, galloping across the midnight skies. Perhaps this was a sign, a sign for a specific occurrence linking many individuals and leaving them awake and gasping, wondering about the meaning of these horrific dreams or visions.
Ciri, very luckily, finds herself in the hands of the learned hermit, Vysogota, and in his hidden and out of the way dwelling in the marshlands. As Vysogota heals Ciri, particularly her wounded face, she reveals her story of what brought her to this place at this time. Vysogota matches her embittered spirit with his own, and they find common ground to create a healing friendship and perhaps lose some of the bitterness and gain some inner strength to keep fighting.
I will say, I did figure out what happened to Yennefer… only to finish this book and be in the exact same situation… not having any idea if Yennefer is dead or alive. I have an idea, but I wish it was clearer. The Witcher, Geralt, is still among his friends, however his story seems to stop about midway through this particular book and I really cannot say what state he actually is in at this time. Time, that particularly would be a good thing to be made more clear in this book.
So… I really did love this book. I did immensely enjoy the intriguing politics and the intricate details that may make other readers, well, bored! I can see how some people would feel that way, and, in fact, I talked to a few people with that opinion. However, that doesn’t mean it is how everyone or even the majority of readers feel, just the handful I talked to.
I have already started The Lady of the Lake, which is the fifth installment and second to last in this series. So far, I am very excited and thoroughly enjoying it!
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!!
For more reviews:
https://oracleofmadness.tumblr.com/
Ciri, very luckily, finds herself in the hands of the learned hermit, Vysogota, and in his hidden and out of the way dwelling in the marshlands. As Vysogota heals Ciri, particularly her wounded face, she reveals her story of what brought her to this place at this time. Vysogota matches her embittered spirit with his own, and they find common ground to create a healing friendship and perhaps lose some of the bitterness and gain some inner strength to keep fighting.
I will say, I did figure out what happened to Yennefer… only to finish this book and be in the exact same situation… not having any idea if Yennefer is dead or alive. I have an idea, but I wish it was clearer. The Witcher, Geralt, is still among his friends, however his story seems to stop about midway through this particular book and I really cannot say what state he actually is in at this time. Time, that particularly would be a good thing to be made more clear in this book.
So… I really did love this book. I did immensely enjoy the intriguing politics and the intricate details that may make other readers, well, bored! I can see how some people would feel that way, and, in fact, I talked to a few people with that opinion. However, that doesn’t mean it is how everyone or even the majority of readers feel, just the handful I talked to.
I have already started The Lady of the Lake, which is the fifth installment and second to last in this series. So far, I am very excited and thoroughly enjoying it!
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!!
For more reviews:
https://oracleofmadness.tumblr.com/
This story begins immediately by radiating magic and a sense of enchantment. It even suggests to the reader that they have magic within themselves and yes, I’m already looking for it!
This tale starts with Goldie, who works in a hotel cleaning rooms but steals from the occupants on the side to make extra money for taking care of herself and her little brother Teddy. While working at the front desk she meets Leo, an attractive son of a well to do guest and this is where things start to get complicated.
Goldie is one of several young women who are a Grimm. This means that they can visit the Everwhere, although it is difficult to remember it exactly. Leo, however, is a Soldier and works against the Sisters Grimm. Although, in this case it is unclear how he will handle the situation with the attractive Goldie.
I love the relationship between the Sisters Grimm. It’s an enchanting intertwining of kindred spirits. They have very individual qualities but also aspects that intrinsically link them. As they reach age, (18 years old), their powers slowly emerge but it is yet to be determined if they are good or evil. Just as the Everwhere has both touches of good and evil, the Sisters Grimm can lean either way as well.
I highly recommend this beautiful and magical book. It’s incredibly unique and will pull you in with its gorgeous enchanting details.
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!!!
This tale starts with Goldie, who works in a hotel cleaning rooms but steals from the occupants on the side to make extra money for taking care of herself and her little brother Teddy. While working at the front desk she meets Leo, an attractive son of a well to do guest and this is where things start to get complicated.
Goldie is one of several young women who are a Grimm. This means that they can visit the Everwhere, although it is difficult to remember it exactly. Leo, however, is a Soldier and works against the Sisters Grimm. Although, in this case it is unclear how he will handle the situation with the attractive Goldie.
I love the relationship between the Sisters Grimm. It’s an enchanting intertwining of kindred spirits. They have very individual qualities but also aspects that intrinsically link them. As they reach age, (18 years old), their powers slowly emerge but it is yet to be determined if they are good or evil. Just as the Everwhere has both touches of good and evil, the Sisters Grimm can lean either way as well.
I highly recommend this beautiful and magical book. It’s incredibly unique and will pull you in with its gorgeous enchanting details.
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!!!
This story begins with Ciri relating her version of what has come to pass to another legendary character, although not a character from this particular legend. This book highlights the depths of storytelling with legends within legends and myths within myths.
Geralt is currently “wintering” in Toussaint, a land of fairytale beauty. Yennefer, however, is a prisoner in Vilgeforte’s citadel. But although her captor and associates are trying to break her down, she keeps her spirit and stays the strong-willed sorceress I love.
This second to last book has everything. Daring rescues and all out battle, particularly the Battle of Brenna which is the last in the war that has been raging between the Northlands and Nilfgaard.
Although I loved this book, the ending makes me wonder exactly how this story is going to continue when it feels like it practically already has finished.
For more reviews:
https://oracleofmadness.tumblr.com/
Geralt is currently “wintering” in Toussaint, a land of fairytale beauty. Yennefer, however, is a prisoner in Vilgeforte’s citadel. But although her captor and associates are trying to break her down, she keeps her spirit and stays the strong-willed sorceress I love.
This second to last book has everything. Daring rescues and all out battle, particularly the Battle of Brenna which is the last in the war that has been raging between the Northlands and Nilfgaard.
Although I loved this book, the ending makes me wonder exactly how this story is going to continue when it feels like it practically already has finished.
For more reviews:
https://oracleofmadness.tumblr.com/