rumplled's reviews
467 reviews

Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage

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

4.0

So fun! I honestly loved the small-town, romanticized modern Western setting. All of the characters are loveable and surprisingly dynamic. Lyla addresses and handles the different neurodivergence and mental illnesses quite well.

Wes is by far my favorite character yet! And the relationship he develops with Ada is sweet and tender yet filled with sizzling tension. Their struggles are handled so well, although maybe I just love a supportive romantic lead.

Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage

emotional 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

4.0

So fun! I honestly loved the small-town, romanticized modern Western setting. All of the characters are loveable and surprisingly dynamic. Lyla addresses and handles the different neurodivergence and mental illnesses quite well.

Emmy and Brooks have a great dynamic (even though I usually have the 'brother's best friend' trope) because they are both mature enough to handle realistic conversations that help develop their relationship. I ended up totally rooting for them because they work so well together! 

Darker by Four by June CL Tan

adventurous mysterious 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

3.5

I liked the exorcist/reaper idea. However, there were a lot of competing perspectives and storylines that did not fully tie together in a satisfying way at the end of the book. While fun and an interesting take on urban fantasy, it left something to be desired.

Shanghai Immortal by A.Y. Chao

adventurous funny fast-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

3.75

Once I got used to Jing's personality, she was actually entertaining to follow.

The story was absolutely buck-wild from start to finish, but it was delightful. Plus, I love how Western vampire lore is woven into the Chinese mythology. It was a fun mix and relevant to the "human" Shanghai that gets visited. 

It's definitely worth a read if you want something fast and exciting. 

Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee

adventurous emotional tense 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

4.5

I don't know how Fonda Lee did it, but Hilo really grew on me as a character. In the end, it was him who made me cry. 

This was such a great series—so well done, especially over the span of time this book covers. 

I am sad it is over but also glad that I finished it. 

Court of Wanderers by Rin Chupeco

adventurous 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

Rin has created a fascinating world, even when it does not entirely make sense. 

The strength of this series is in the main characters (I love love love Remy!) and their relationships, especially when the plot at the end starts to spiral out of control. It is really amazing to see a successful poly relationship.

This was just an enjoyable duology!

A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

adventurous medium-paced

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

3.0

Honestly, the premise of these street kids pulling themselves up in society through a tea/blood house that actually deals in blackmail is so exciting, especially since the rich and powerful do not like it. 

However, the poorly developed relationships and a complete lack of tension for the heist really pulled away from the exciting concept. I would have loved to see Arthie and her crew running Spindrift and dealing in their secrets rather than jumping to this huge conspiracy with minimal build-up or background.

To Cage a God by Elizabeth May

adventurous slow-paced

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

3.0

 I liked both sisters, their relationships with their love interests and each other, and the dragon-magic concept. However, the pace and plotting of the story were off. Somehow, a plot following a rebellion from multiple sides dragged for the entire book. 

 

Maybe I am just exhausted with poorly developed Easter Europe-inspired settings. The wasted potential is kind of tragic. 

The Art Thief by Michael Finkel

informative fast-paced

4.0

Very interesting!

Breitwieser is definitely an intriguing individual, especially in terms of how he thinks about art. I am glad that Finkel included the "Notes on Reporting" at the end; it kind of tied everything together. 

This Cursed Light by Emily Thiede

adventurous lighthearted tense 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? Yes

3.5

While not as good as the first book, I still enjoyed this one. 

The stakes are kind of ridiculous because they often juxtapose the end of the world with Alessa and Dante's relationship. It is all very YA and pretty silly. Plus, when main characters "die," they often don't stay dead for very long. 

Yet, there is something cute and charming about this duology. Maybe it is the "Italian" setting.