rambles's reviews
52 reviews

What Once Was Mine by Liz Braswell

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.5

The narrator for the audio book kills it with her performance. Had to say that off the bat. 

I like the direction the story took and exploring the idea of Repunzel going full witch is a lot of fun. There's some historical context and set building which add to the story and the best part is Repunzel really reflecting on how Gothel treated her. Shaky start but good ending. The framing device that the story is set in isn't necessary but sweet and touching. 

Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell

adventurous dark funny reflective fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A delightfully weird book. The ending dragged a bit but I get what the author was going for. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Gore, and Blood

The Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Gore, and Murder

Moderate: Gun violence

Minor: Vomit

A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher

adventurous emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

A delightful funny read with an absurd ish concept that has amazing commentary on current political happenings. I adore all the characters, I have recommende it to several people, I want to play a baking wizard in D&D now, and I want to bake some bread. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Excrement

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

dark emotional funny tense slow-paced

2.75

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett

adventurous funny lighthearted tense medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Gore and Blood

After the Forest by Kell Woods

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5

The story is an impressive mix of the Hansel and Gretel story, Rose Red, and a little Beauty and the Beast. It made me crave gingerbread. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, and Death of parent

Moderate: Miscarriage and Rape

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A stunning read that I couldn’t put down. Generational trauma and a town filled with old sins is the backdrop to this gorgeous gothic/ fairy tale story.  

Hogfather by Terry Pratchett

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Starter Villain by John Scalzi

adventurous dark funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

A funny delight with a good heart.