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path_through_pages's reviews
170 reviews
The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I genuinely appreciate the ending of this book, especially the closure for the side characters.
I think Madoc's fate is hilarious and I appreciated everything being tied into stories and fairytales in the end.
But this was probably my least favorite book in the series. I kind of feel like I just wanted more and the worst part is I can't say what that more was.
I feel like if he had more of the fairytale back story and not this coincidental happenstance with a book found in a library it would have felt more satisfying.
But I just don't know 🤷♀️
I think Madoc's fate is hilarious and I appreciated everything being tied into stories and fairytales in the end.
But this was probably my least favorite book in the series. I kind of feel like I just wanted more and the worst part is I can't say what that more was.
I feel like if he had more of the fairytale back story and not this coincidental happenstance with a book found in a library it would have felt more satisfying.
But I just don't know 🤷♀️
The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
3.0
Super disappointed that this book ended up as 3 stars.
It's a retelling of the Water Margin, a classical Chinese story that I know nothing about.
I truly enjoyed the first half, the characters were engaging and dynamic, having the main female leads vary in age from late 20s to late 40s was extremely refreshing, the dialogue was great, the world building and magic system introductions honestly pretty perfect. I was so pleasantly surprised!
And then the middle of the book just draaaaaaaggged... so many characters that were barely formed were introduced, content became repetitive, and when the action finally picked back up... I didn't even really care which I'm really bummed out about.
I recieved a special edition copy for free and the only thing making me hang onto it right now is the fact that it's beautiful haha
It's a retelling of the Water Margin, a classical Chinese story that I know nothing about.
I truly enjoyed the first half, the characters were engaging and dynamic, having the main female leads vary in age from late 20s to late 40s was extremely refreshing, the dialogue was great, the world building and magic system introductions honestly pretty perfect. I was so pleasantly surprised!
And then the middle of the book just draaaaaaaggged... so many characters that were barely formed were introduced, content became repetitive, and when the action finally picked back up... I didn't even really care which I'm really bummed out about.
I recieved a special edition copy for free and the only thing making me hang onto it right now is the fact that it's beautiful haha
Argylle by Elly Conway
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
2.5
I have no idea how they did it but they made being a spy boring...
The writing was easy to follow and clear but loooooord was it dull. There were so many times the writing became repetitive almost for the sake of filling pages.
This would have been better as a novella than a novel.
And it was so incredibly predictable..
Honestly so disappointed.
I have no idea how they did it but they made being a spy boring...
The writing was easy to follow and clear but loooooord was it dull. There were so many times the writing became repetitive almost for the sake of filling pages.
This would have been better as a novella than a novel.
And it was so incredibly predictable..
Honestly so disappointed.
Elegy of a Fragmented Vineyard by Kaden Love
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you very much for the copy of your book in exchange for my honest review!
Overall this book has all the makings of a great YA fantasy. There is unique world building, a bizarre and intriguing power concept, political intrigue and rebellion, religious conflict and multiple POV.
Personally I feel like this book just needed some more thorough editing. All the bones are there it just needed a good polish. There are some continuity errors throughout but nothing I feel detracts from the story.
I do also hold some issue with the FMCs. I felt they could have been more dynamic and given more attention and depth (Aerhee excluded as she was given a lot of backstory to explain her behavior and perceptions). I'm not saying all FMCs need massive back stories but I do need them to have a certain level of depth to feel genuine.
I am looking forward to see how this author grows through the series!
Thank you very much for the copy of your book in exchange for my honest review!
Overall this book has all the makings of a great YA fantasy. There is unique world building, a bizarre and intriguing power concept, political intrigue and rebellion, religious conflict and multiple POV.
Personally I feel like this book just needed some more thorough editing. All the bones are there it just needed a good polish. There are some continuity errors throughout but nothing I feel detracts from the story.
I do also hold some issue with the FMCs. I felt they could have been more dynamic and given more attention and depth (Aerhee excluded as she was given a lot of backstory to explain her behavior and perceptions). I'm not saying all FMCs need massive back stories but I do need them to have a certain level of depth to feel genuine.
I am looking forward to see how this author grows through the series!
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This truly is a book full of epic world building!
But I was very sick during the last half of reading it and feel like I wasn't able to give it the attention it deserved.
I plan on continuing the series so i am hopeful I will fall in love with it!
But I was very sick during the last half of reading it and feel like I wasn't able to give it the attention it deserved.
I plan on continuing the series so i am hopeful I will fall in love with it!
So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5⭐!
Once again Rachel Harrison's blend of feminist popcorn horror hits all the right notes!
The first half feels like Thelma and Louise showed up at a classic Brad Pit vampire orgy only to have the mood killed by Van Helsing level horror resulting in confusion, thirst, and chaos!
Then the second half felt like the inner thoughts of every woman who was forced into a box and then conditioned to compare themselves against other women, tainting the beauty of their friendships but never letting it defeat you. I'm sure there are so many women who have struggled with self worth, unworthy love, sub-par partners, and an overall pressure to make themselves smaller and to be content with settling.
At times you dislike both FMC and can't understand their friendship but then you remember you love them and both their stories are unique and they behave the way they do largely due to the same, and different experiences theyve had.
I only wish I got almost an equal look into Naomi's head. I feel like a dual POV would have just pushed this over the top for me!
(And side note to anyone who would like to know, both FMC are childfree, there are no pregnancy tropes, and there are intimate scenes but no real spice)
Once again Rachel Harrison's blend of feminist popcorn horror hits all the right notes!
The first half feels like Thelma and Louise showed up at a classic Brad Pit vampire orgy only to have the mood killed by Van Helsing level horror resulting in confusion, thirst, and chaos!
Then the second half felt like the inner thoughts of every woman who was forced into a box and then conditioned to compare themselves against other women, tainting the beauty of their friendships but never letting it defeat you. I'm sure there are so many women who have struggled with self worth, unworthy love, sub-par partners, and an overall pressure to make themselves smaller and to be content with settling.
At times you dislike both FMC and can't understand their friendship but then you remember you love them and both their stories are unique and they behave the way they do largely due to the same, and different experiences theyve had.
I only wish I got almost an equal look into Naomi's head. I feel like a dual POV would have just pushed this over the top for me!
(And side note to anyone who would like to know, both FMC are childfree, there are no pregnancy tropes, and there are intimate scenes but no real spice)
Demure by Hope E. Davis
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4⭐s!
As someone who doesn't read romance or spice I was pleasantly surprised! Like many I'm a sucker for the Fae and their shenanigans so I'm always happy when I'm able to read a book that throws in a sprinkle of humor with its magic.
A couple of the things I loved is that the romance felt organic, it made sense, and the first 1/3 of the book where things are progressing it feels like a cozy fantasy romcom!
I also really enjoyed how the FMC was in her mid 20s.vocally childfree, and how there was a character that gave us trans representation.
The magic world that was built was easy to picture and overall the entire writing style was clean, easy to follow, and just descriptive enough to give you the details you need.
The story itself was enjoyable and gave me somewhat similar vibes to Assistant to the Villain (except waaaaaay better in my opinion because although the comedy in this book was minimal it was actually well timed!)
A couple things that are preventing a higher rating.
Although I truly understand and appreciate how Sierra is living as the child of immigrants and as an expat and the generational and familial struggles she faces are very real, I found it hard to like much about her in the beginning. On paper she ticked all the boxes but her angst felt more like that of a teen and not that of a woman in her mid 20s. She does have character development as things progress and I have a feeling this will be addressed better in book 2 but just a heads up to hold out until you get further into the story!
Also as an academic I found her able to jump to the conclusion that her new love interest was something supernatural way too quickly. I needed at least some type of logical reasoning or some more background about her being a believer in such things to make that transition feel more natural.
In general I think I would have liked more information on the fae customs, traditions, practices, etc.
But I'm also just huge on world building!
Other than that it was a very enjoyable read!
As someone who doesn't read romance or spice I was pleasantly surprised! Like many I'm a sucker for the Fae and their shenanigans so I'm always happy when I'm able to read a book that throws in a sprinkle of humor with its magic.
A couple of the things I loved is that the romance felt organic, it made sense, and the first 1/3 of the book where things are progressing it feels like a cozy fantasy romcom!
I also really enjoyed how the FMC was in her mid 20s.vocally childfree, and how there was a character that gave us trans representation.
The magic world that was built was easy to picture and overall the entire writing style was clean, easy to follow, and just descriptive enough to give you the details you need.
The story itself was enjoyable and gave me somewhat similar vibes to Assistant to the Villain (except waaaaaay better in my opinion because although the comedy in this book was minimal it was actually well timed!)
A couple things that are preventing a higher rating.
Although I truly understand and appreciate how Sierra is living as the child of immigrants and as an expat and the generational and familial struggles she faces are very real, I found it hard to like much about her in the beginning. On paper she ticked all the boxes but her angst felt more like that of a teen and not that of a woman in her mid 20s. She does have character development as things progress and I have a feeling this will be addressed better in book 2 but just a heads up to hold out until you get further into the story!
Also as an academic I found her able to jump to the conclusion that her new love interest was something supernatural way too quickly. I needed at least some type of logical reasoning or some more background about her being a believer in such things to make that transition feel more natural.
In general I think I would have liked more information on the fae customs, traditions, practices, etc.
But I'm also just huge on world building!
Other than that it was a very enjoyable read!
The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I was going to rate this book a 4 star until the very end when I bumped it up to 5.
I have never read a series that so beautifully captured the concept of hope. The ending had me feeling joyful, inspired, and heartbroken all at once.
Knowing what I know about mankind and humans I am worried for the world Spook and the others may have to make, but it is so much more hopeful and joyous than what they had all gone through, especially knowing who is watching over them.
The idealism surrounding religion, seeing the truth in all of them and knowing that those truths could lead to a perfect world both connected to our past and inspiring of our future hit me so much more deeply than I thought it would. Again knowing what I know about humankind, my realism kicks in and dampens this a bit, but having that idealism preserved in this story gives such a rare feeling of true hope I feel is lost in so much of our day to day lives.
I have also never read a series where every, single, character was able to meet their potential. There really was not a single small role in all of this and it was so beautifully crafted.
This will forever be one of my favorite series!
I have never read a series that so beautifully captured the concept of hope. The ending had me feeling joyful, inspired, and heartbroken all at once.
Knowing what I know about mankind and humans I am worried for the world Spook and the others may have to make, but it is so much more hopeful and joyous than what they had all gone through, especially knowing who is watching over them.
The idealism surrounding religion, seeing the truth in all of them and knowing that those truths could lead to a perfect world both connected to our past and inspiring of our future hit me so much more deeply than I thought it would. Again knowing what I know about humankind, my realism kicks in and dampens this a bit, but having that idealism preserved in this story gives such a rare feeling of true hope I feel is lost in so much of our day to day lives.
I have also never read a series where every, single, character was able to meet their potential. There really was not a single small role in all of this and it was so beautifully crafted.
This will forever be one of my favorite series!
Redshirts by John Scalzi
Fun and silly! For fans of Star Trek or just bad sci-fi this book was a fast, easy read that let you laugh at the absurdity of things you love while also appreciating the work that goes (or doesn't go) into it.
For sure recommend if you need a pallet cleanser of a book, something fun to get you between heavier reads!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Fun and silly! For fans of Star Trek or just bad sci-fi this book was a fast, easy read that let you laugh at the absurdity of things you love while also appreciating the work that goes (or doesn't go) into it.
For sure recommend if you need a pallet cleanser of a book, something fun to get you between heavier reads!
Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Just... So freaking good 😭😭😭
I waited FAR TOO LONG to start this series! As a YA book it is EXCEPTIONAL, reading it as an adult it is endlessly enjoyable.
Sanderson's ability to create entire universes, have hard themes, but sprinkle it with humor is such a masterful talent that I am continuously impressed by.
I CANNOT WAIT to keep reading.
I waited FAR TOO LONG to start this series! As a YA book it is EXCEPTIONAL, reading it as an adult it is endlessly enjoyable.
Sanderson's ability to create entire universes, have hard themes, but sprinkle it with humor is such a masterful talent that I am continuously impressed by.
I CANNOT WAIT to keep reading.