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path_through_pages's reviews
170 reviews
Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery by Brom
dark
tense
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
4.0
I truly enjoyed this book, I've been having a really hard time finding horror books lately but Slewfoot was a great find.
We make the devil's in our lives. To me that's the core of this story.
Unique, captivating, an amazingly easy read, for sure recommend it!
We make the devil's in our lives. To me that's the core of this story.
Unique, captivating, an amazingly easy read, for sure recommend it!
The Wicked King by Holly Black
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book completely exceeded my expectations.
I enjoyed the Cruel Prince but didn't think it was anything spectacular, but the Wicked King? The foundation set by the Cruel Prince perfectly sets you up for the sequel.
Jude is logical, flawed, intelligent, doesn't fall for miscommunication tropes, is human but cunning and strategic.
There were constantly moves being made on this chess board but not in a way that made you confused. Often times in books that have political or military tactics they are convoluted, overly complex, and leave so much room for error.
The Wicked King was to the point but never gave you all the information. I am a sucker for logical planning and execution and that's probably why I loved this book.
Pros:
-great story continuity
-great character development
-no miscommunication tropes
-betrayal and intrigue
-strong and logical FMC
-no pregnancy tropes
Cons:
genuinely I just enjoyed the ride and can't wait for the next one!
I enjoyed the Cruel Prince but didn't think it was anything spectacular, but the Wicked King? The foundation set by the Cruel Prince perfectly sets you up for the sequel.
Jude is logical, flawed, intelligent, doesn't fall for miscommunication tropes, is human but cunning and strategic.
There were constantly moves being made on this chess board but not in a way that made you confused. Often times in books that have political or military tactics they are convoluted, overly complex, and leave so much room for error.
The Wicked King was to the point but never gave you all the information. I am a sucker for logical planning and execution and that's probably why I loved this book.
Pros:
-great story continuity
-great character development
-no miscommunication tropes
-betrayal and intrigue
-strong and logical FMC
-no pregnancy tropes
Cons:
genuinely I just enjoyed the ride and can't wait for the next one!
Petition by Delilah Waan
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
3.75
With the ability to sense and manipulate emotions, a connection to powerful crystals, complex political hierarchies and a fight to bring about success and security for her family, Petition is a unique and creative expression of the inherited debts we owe to others and the debts we owe to ourselves.
Petition provides a glimpse into the generational burdens felt by the children of the impoverished and more explicitly the children of immigrants.
Through self doubt, fierce determination, and a love for parents who both do their best and are unable to do more for their daughter, Petition shows the faults in both the mindset of inherited emotional and economic debt as well as the consistent unspoken fabric of love that holds these families together. You feel how these debts are unfair but you also feel how these debts aren't a choice and are brought from a confusing mixture of obligation, guilt, and love.
Pros:
- unique and creative system of magic/power
- a dynamic representation of real world struggles that shows the truth and fiction of a promise land
- unique characters and relationship building
- no pregnancy tropes
- no miscommunication tropes
- string FMCs
- a great opening to sequels
- ends on a cliffhanger
- writing style was clear and easy to read. Not needlessly verbose.
Cons:
- the magic system is complex and I wish there was a clearer explanation of what the resonance skills were, where the crystals come from, how the system is set up and works, etc.
You're able to put the pieces together but the lack of a clear explanation has a way of pulling you out of the main story as you try to sort it all out. Even just one page outlining everything after the first few chapters would have gone a long way.
- there is also a lot of deep character relationship histories I wish I had the background on early on. There was also the introduction of a powerful mage that we really know nothing about so even just a few paragraphs at her introduction giving us the history would have been incredibly helpful.
Overall a great start to a series that has a lot of promise! Would absolutely read the sequel!
3.75
Petition provides a glimpse into the generational burdens felt by the children of the impoverished and more explicitly the children of immigrants.
Through self doubt, fierce determination, and a love for parents who both do their best and are unable to do more for their daughter, Petition shows the faults in both the mindset of inherited emotional and economic debt as well as the consistent unspoken fabric of love that holds these families together. You feel how these debts are unfair but you also feel how these debts aren't a choice and are brought from a confusing mixture of obligation, guilt, and love.
Pros:
- unique and creative system of magic/power
- a dynamic representation of real world struggles that shows the truth and fiction of a promise land
- unique characters and relationship building
- no pregnancy tropes
- no miscommunication tropes
- string FMCs
- a great opening to sequels
- ends on a cliffhanger
- writing style was clear and easy to read. Not needlessly verbose.
Cons:
- the magic system is complex and I wish there was a clearer explanation of what the resonance skills were, where the crystals come from, how the system is set up and works, etc.
You're able to put the pieces together but the lack of a clear explanation has a way of pulling you out of the main story as you try to sort it all out. Even just one page outlining everything after the first few chapters would have gone a long way.
- there is also a lot of deep character relationship histories I wish I had the background on early on. There was also the introduction of a powerful mage that we really know nothing about so even just a few paragraphs at her introduction giving us the history would have been incredibly helpful.
Overall a great start to a series that has a lot of promise! Would absolutely read the sequel!
3.75
Sound the Gong by Joan He
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
So I feel like I may be a bit on the outside when it comes to this book.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from NetGalley and I will absolutely say that I enjoyed this story.
It was unique, complex, had interesting characters, and a lot of emotional and character development.
But where I am torn is I can't say that the read was enjoyable. The story just kept feeling like hit after hit. I've noticed a big trend in a lot of fantasy lately where the authors just don't leave room for natural development and progression. Essentially there is now down time to allow the reader to process and move through the story.
It's as if the common thread is perpetual chaos/trauma and it can make a book exhausting to read.
Again I enjoyed the story, but wouldnt say I enjoyed the process.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from NetGalley and I will absolutely say that I enjoyed this story.
It was unique, complex, had interesting characters, and a lot of emotional and character development.
But where I am torn is I can't say that the read was enjoyable. The story just kept feeling like hit after hit. I've noticed a big trend in a lot of fantasy lately where the authors just don't leave room for natural development and progression. Essentially there is now down time to allow the reader to process and move through the story.
It's as if the common thread is perpetual chaos/trauma and it can make a book exhausting to read.
Again I enjoyed the story, but wouldnt say I enjoyed the process.
The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman
adventurous
mysterious
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
2.75
I was unfortunately pretty disappointed by this book.
So many people raved about it but I found it incredibly predictable to the point where I started really losing interest.
It's one of those books where the concept is incredibly unique but the execution simply wasn't engaging for me.
I genuinely don't think I'm going to continue the series because I honestly just got bored 🤷♀️
So many people raved about it but I found it incredibly predictable to the point where I started really losing interest.
It's one of those books where the concept is incredibly unique but the execution simply wasn't engaging for me.
I genuinely don't think I'm going to continue the series because I honestly just got bored 🤷♀️
Sign Here by Claudia Lux
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
2.5 rounded up
I feel like this is the kind of book you'd either really love it just feel meh about.
I'm unfortunately on the meh side. But honestly it may be because of personal preference so if the below is fine with you then you might like it.
So much of this book was women compromising their lives for men. Yes it gets acknowledged throughout the book but nothing really gets done about it. It's almost like the author realized this was happening so they had to throw in some feminine outrage to try and make it seem intentional. I know there was some 'redemptive' moments but nothing really changes for the women 🤷♀️ you could argue it does for Lily but we never find out.
I genuinely wish we got more of Hell in this book. It's advertised as being really about the main deal maker but we only get like 25% hell. There is also far less humor than advertised in the blurb so I really didn't get what I was hoping to out of this book.
I also found every single twist to be predictable. Like clearly predictable. I wasn't surprised at any point in this book.
Also there was sooooooo muuuuuuuuch emphasis on parenting and being a parent. It's like this entire book was just a long winded way for multiple characters to talk about the joy and appreciation of parenting. I get how for some people this might be great but personally, I felt like they went into that faaaaaar too much.... I can understand the need for context and character building but there has to be a point where you realize you've done your job and you can add another layer to your character already.
I feel like this is the kind of book you'd either really love it just feel meh about.
I'm unfortunately on the meh side. But honestly it may be because of personal preference so if the below is fine with you then you might like it.
So much of this book was women compromising their lives for men. Yes it gets acknowledged throughout the book but nothing really gets done about it. It's almost like the author realized this was happening so they had to throw in some feminine outrage to try and make it seem intentional. I know there was some 'redemptive' moments but nothing really changes for the women 🤷♀️ you could argue it does for Lily but we never find out.
I genuinely wish we got more of Hell in this book. It's advertised as being really about the main deal maker but we only get like 25% hell. There is also far less humor than advertised in the blurb so I really didn't get what I was hoping to out of this book.
I also found every single twist to be predictable. Like clearly predictable. I wasn't surprised at any point in this book.
Also there was sooooooo muuuuuuuuch emphasis on parenting and being a parent. It's like this entire book was just a long winded way for multiple characters to talk about the joy and appreciation of parenting. I get how for some people this might be great but personally, I felt like they went into that faaaaaar too much.... I can understand the need for context and character building but there has to be a point where you realize you've done your job and you can add another layer to your character already.
A Reign of Emerald Fire: A Yarn Spun from the Lore of Uprynenos by Matthew J Turner
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? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A genuinely fun fantasy read with a couple new twists! A high stakes adventure with a low stakes vibe! Think game of thrones but way less serious and less incest.
I truly enjoyed this story! It was fun, adventurous but also kind of exhausting! With confirmed subtle nods to famous hilarious comedies like Monty Python's Holy Grail, Robinhood Men in Tights and Space Balls, you'll get a lot of nostalgic comedic references while also following a motley crew of adventurous misfits.
Pros:
- fun story
- multiple POV
- strong, intelligent, and incredibly logical female character
- no miscommunication tropes
- no pregnancy tropes
- the first fantasy Ive ever read that actually codifies the authority of dragons into the political constitution which creates a ridiculous but weirdly logical redtap roadblock around killing the damn thing since its... Well... Kinda the king now?
- political underhandedness
- good world building
- fluid and easy to follow writing style
- ends on a cliffhanger
Cons:
- would have loved to see more of the female main character
- I really want to love Brolo the dwlef but his anxt gets exhausting
- the bickering in the adventure party is a tad much
- there is a lot of missing character back story that I would have really liked earlier on but I understand this book is going to be a series so I am hopeful the missing pieces will be filled in more quickly in book two
Overall I think this is a great start to the series and I can really see myself wanting to read the rest! It's always good to keep in mind that this IS a series so there is a lot more room for character growth.
For sure recommend if you're looking for a not-so-serious adventure!
I truly enjoyed this story! It was fun, adventurous but also kind of exhausting! With confirmed subtle nods to famous hilarious comedies like Monty Python's Holy Grail, Robinhood Men in Tights and Space Balls, you'll get a lot of nostalgic comedic references while also following a motley crew of adventurous misfits.
Pros:
- fun story
- multiple POV
- strong, intelligent, and incredibly logical female character
- no miscommunication tropes
- no pregnancy tropes
- the first fantasy Ive ever read that actually codifies the authority of dragons into the political constitution which creates a ridiculous but weirdly logical redtap roadblock around killing the damn thing since its... Well... Kinda the king now?
- political underhandedness
- good world building
- fluid and easy to follow writing style
- ends on a cliffhanger
Cons:
- would have loved to see more of the female main character
- I really want to love Brolo the dwlef but his anxt gets exhausting
- the bickering in the adventure party is a tad much
- there is a lot of missing character back story that I would have really liked earlier on but I understand this book is going to be a series so I am hopeful the missing pieces will be filled in more quickly in book two
Overall I think this is a great start to the series and I can really see myself wanting to read the rest! It's always good to keep in mind that this IS a series so there is a lot more room for character growth.
For sure recommend if you're looking for a not-so-serious adventure!
John Dies at the End by David Wong
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
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
I'm really 50/50 with this book, and to be honest I did a speed read of the last half.
Pros:
- The title and concept were great
- The author's intro was hilarious
- A chaotic fever dream of a story where stuff was simply always happening
- trauma filled nightmare dreamscape of a book
Cons:
- there were times where it REALLY felt like the author was trying too hard to be edgy.
- there were moments where the irreverent humor was perfect and hilarious and other times where it felt like the author needed to slapstick throw something in there for the sake of shock value.
- I read the newly published 2021 version. The frequent and repeated use of the R word just seemed juvenile and distasteful. There was literally no reason why they couldn't have made an edit in this new version. It really did nothing to keep it in the story and it kept being used more and more frequently which started to give me the ick.
- Genuinely feel like this book could have been half the length because it just started feeling repetitive in its chaos.
I have several other books from this author/universe so I am hopeful they will build and turn into something great.
But honestly I don't think I'll ever have a desire to pick this one up again.
Pros:
- The title and concept were great
- The author's intro was hilarious
- A chaotic fever dream of a story where stuff was simply always happening
- trauma filled nightmare dreamscape of a book
Cons:
- there were times where it REALLY felt like the author was trying too hard to be edgy.
- there were moments where the irreverent humor was perfect and hilarious and other times where it felt like the author needed to slapstick throw something in there for the sake of shock value.
- I read the newly published 2021 version. The frequent and repeated use of the R word just seemed juvenile and distasteful. There was literally no reason why they couldn't have made an edit in this new version. It really did nothing to keep it in the story and it kept being used more and more frequently which started to give me the ick.
- Genuinely feel like this book could have been half the length because it just started feeling repetitive in its chaos.
I have several other books from this author/universe so I am hopeful they will build and turn into something great.
But honestly I don't think I'll ever have a desire to pick this one up again.