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rumplled's reviews
471 reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Fate Inked In Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
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? Yes
2.5
Unlike most fantasy romances, I was interested in the world-building and magic (Norse mythology!) that Jensen created, although some of the characters' decision-making was unknowable.
On the other hand, I hated Freya! She was frustrating and annoying, so her point of view was insufferable to read. Plus, her "relationship" with Bjorn had terrible chemistry (besides surface-level lust), and the smut was not for me (read: off-putting). I could have liked Bjorn, but Freya ruined him.
Overall, the story was very disappointing, especially since I had heard such great things about Jensen's other series.
On the other hand, I hated Freya! She was frustrating and annoying, so her point of view was insufferable to read. Plus, her "relationship" with Bjorn had terrible chemistry (besides surface-level lust), and the smut was not for me (read: off-putting). I could have liked Bjorn, but Freya ruined him.
Overall, the story was very disappointing, especially since I had heard such great things about Jensen's other series.
Jade War by Fonda Lee
adventurous
dark
tense
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
4.0
The number of times I had to stop and put the book down after saying, "What the Fuck, Hilo!" is more than you might think.
So much is happening, and I never know what Fonda Lee will do next. This was very much an edge-of-your-seat kind of read.
So much is happening, and I never know what Fonda Lee will do next. This was very much an edge-of-your-seat kind of read.
The Unbound by V.E. Schwab
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
3.5
A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon
lighthearted
sad
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
4.0
Thank you Netgalley and HarperVia for an ARC of this book!
A lightly magical novella that reflects on the darker implications of magical girls in our modern society.
Since the girls awaken their powers through traumatic and stressful events (mentions of attempted suicide and domestic violence), the magic they receive is like the universe trying to balance power.
But how can you expect a girl to always be perfectly good and noble under these circumstances?
I loved the art at the start of each chapter and the growth the main girl experiences; however, each chapter felt a little bit disconnected from the next, making the narrative a little choppy. And I can totally imagine this as a series of 4-panel comics.
A lightly magical novella that reflects on the darker implications of magical girls in our modern society.
Since the girls awaken their powers through traumatic and stressful events (mentions of attempted suicide and domestic violence), the magic they receive is like the universe trying to balance power.
But how can you expect a girl to always be perfectly good and noble under these circumstances?
I loved the art at the start of each chapter and the growth the main girl experiences; however, each chapter felt a little bit disconnected from the next, making the narrative a little choppy. And I can totally imagine this as a series of 4-panel comics.
Sunbringer by Hannah Kaner
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
4.0
It was a little slow to start, but so was book 1, and the story ramps up really well for an explosive ending.
While I wish there had been more of Kissen, much of her plot felt like it was setting up for book 3. I still loved Inara's and Elo's parts and how their stories intertwined.
I am excited to see what the next (and final) book will do!
While I wish there had been more of Kissen, much of her plot felt like it was setting up for book 3. I still loved Inara's and Elo's parts and how their stories intertwined.
I am excited to see what the next (and final) book will do!