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roksyreads's reviews
310 reviews
The Bone Shard War by Andrea Stewart
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Bone Shard War concludes the Drowning Empire trilogy, an epic and immersive high-stakes fantasy series that enthralled me with its narrative, world-building, and characters from the beginning. Stewart has truly worked her own magic in crafting this incredible conclusion to an incredible series. Whilst I cannot say I loved every single second or moment of this final book, my quibbles would be so minor as to be pedantic. The characters, the setting, the story—every aspect has left its mark in me, and I am sad to leave this beautifully detailed universe behind. It was such a privilege to experience this tale with Lin, Jovis, Phalue, Ranami, and even Nisong. Even though I could not always support their actions, so much depth and thought was put into each that I came to love and appreciate them dearly, even in their darkest moments.
The Deep by Rivers Solomon
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A Soul to Keep by Opal Reyne
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
As the only survivor after a brutal demon attack, Reia is shunned by her village until she’s offered a choice: accept lifelong imprisonment, or sacrifice herself to a faceless monster—the Duskwalker—to secure another decade of protection for her village. Reia is the first human Orpheus encounters who does not fear his very presence and who offers the companionship he so desperately craves. But the Veil is a dangerous place. He’ll have to do everything in his power to convince her to stay—or risk losing her forever.
I did not realise how much I needed this book—this series—in my life. The setting and lore are fascinating and the characters are so engaging. I’m stoked that Reyne is an Aussie author; it was refreshing to see that reflected in subtle ways it shone through. Whilst the writing in the first ¼ of the book leans towards mediocre, as the novel progresses and the characters develop their voices, it significantly improves on all fronts. It was an absolute treasure to watch Reia and Orpheus grow as individuals and to see their friendship and love blossom. I knew this was going to be a super 🔥 romance, but it was also surprisingly sweet and emotive. The physical logistics are the most unique I’ve ever read and the spice is extra EXTRA hot. I so appreciate Reyne both for writing a story for herself and also for all of us who would happily explore our sexuality outside of humanity if given the opportunity. I knew as soon as I opened the book and read the dedication that I was in for one hell of a ride, and if I wasn’t already so happily married, I’d be one of the first to put my hand up and declare “I volunteer as tribute!” to score a Duskwalker.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Blood and Death
Memory's Legion by James S.A. Corey
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Last year, I powered through all nine books of The Expanse. It is the longest science fiction series I have ever read, and indeed the longest series I have completed. There were highs and lows across the novels, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed the stories, with an average rating of 4 stars. Following a core cast of characters across decades, the adventurous space opera is dark, mysterious, and often confronting, focused as it is on the human experience. But partnered with such emotional depth is a story rich in political intrigue and action as various powers struggle for control of the colonised solar system and beyond.
It was a treat to return to the universe of The Expanse in Memory's Legion, a collection of short stories that take place at different points across the series. I reunited with some familiar faces and favourites, met new and intriguing characters, and the stories expanded upon some key themes and answered a few lingering questions. Each story also included a short author’s* note at the end, which provided further insight into the universe and the collaborators’ journey to and through it. Memory's Legion is an excellent complement to the universe of The Expanse, and I would definitely recommend checking it out if you’re a fan of the novels.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Death
The Demon's Bargain by Katee Robert
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Lenora trusted the wrong man—in her moment of vulnerability, he betrayed her and stole a precious family heirloom. Desperate, she summons the bargainer demon Ramanu, only to learn that the demon’s terms are too steep. She could banish them, but having Ramanu as a backup plan is an urge she can’t ignore—the Shadow Market is a place as dangerous as it is tempting. They might think they know what awaits them, but they’ll both get more than they bargained for.
This was HOT. Lenora and Ramanu’s chemistry simply crackles from their first interaction, and the spicy scenes left me breathless. The diversity and representation is especially strong, with both MCs presenting as pansexual, in addition to other gender diverse and queer characters. Robert handles both sex and sexuality with incredible tact, bringing a surprising sweetness to such a tense and heated narrative. Although this is the shortest story of the series so far, both plot and character development are impressively thorough, and I felt a strong connection to both Lenora and Ramanu, along with being truly invested in their romance, despite the brevity of narrative time. This is definitely my favourite book within the series so far!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Homophobia, Toxic relationship, and Blood
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Vol. 1 by Fuse
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Vol. 2 by Fuse
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Paladin's Faith by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Good and the Green by Amy Yorke
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The Good and the Green follows Alison, who must put her career in a busy and bustling city on hold when she unexpectedly inherits a neglected property in a distant land. Although Alison tries to resist the charming village, with its quaint shops, sweet town-folk, and talking cats, a DIY disaster lands her in the care of her bristly yet handsome neighbour. Together, they must solve the mystery behind a magical vine spreading through the land and choking out everything in its path.
Whilst the cosy romantasy label is being pushed heavily for this novel (“A Cozy Romantic Fantasy” that "Fans of Travis Baldree’s 𝘓𝘦𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 & 𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘴 will love"), it doesn’t sit well with the story I read. This is instead a country house novel with fantasy-romance elements that tackles some heavy themes with reasonable success. It is at times charming and sweet, but it is heavily weighed down with strong themes of death and grief. The story is slow-paced and oft long-winded, despite its page count and the sheer number of events that take place within the span of approximately two narrative weeks. This was exacerbated by the choice of narrative style (genteel and old-timey) and the long list of characters that were under-developed and difficult to keep track of. I didn’t feel a connection with either the protagonist, Alison, or Keir, the dark and broody human love interest; even now, I don’t have a strong sense of their personalities, and their romance felt rushed and unnatural.
If you’re looking for a light-hearted, low-stakes, cosy romantasy that whisks you away from our current hellscape, this may not be your cup of tea. But if you’re looking for a slow-paced, sweet but emotional story about personal growth, living with and processing grief, and exploring personal flaws, that happens to have a loose cosy vibe, a romance, and a fantasy country setting, this is a solid debut novel and an author you may wish to follow in future, as it appears it is intended to be part of a series.
I was offered an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Whilst the cosy romantasy label is being pushed heavily for this novel (“A Cozy Romantic Fantasy” that "Fans of Travis Baldree’s 𝘓𝘦𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 & 𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘴 will love"), it doesn’t sit well with the story I read. This is instead a country house novel with fantasy-romance elements that tackles some heavy themes with reasonable success. It is at times charming and sweet, but it is heavily weighed down with strong themes of death and grief. The story is slow-paced and oft long-winded, despite its page count and the sheer number of events that take place within the span of approximately two narrative weeks. This was exacerbated by the choice of narrative style (genteel and old-timey) and the long list of characters that were under-developed and difficult to keep track of. I didn’t feel a connection with either the protagonist, Alison, or Keir, the dark and broody human love interest; even now, I don’t have a strong sense of their personalities, and their romance felt rushed and unnatural.
If you’re looking for a light-hearted, low-stakes, cosy romantasy that whisks you away from our current hellscape, this may not be your cup of tea. But if you’re looking for a slow-paced, sweet but emotional story about personal growth, living with and processing grief, and exploring personal flaws, that happens to have a loose cosy vibe, a romance, and a fantasy country setting, this is a solid debut novel and an author you may wish to follow in future, as it appears it is intended to be part of a series.
I was offered an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Child death, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, and Classism
The Gargoyle's Captive by Katee Robert
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0