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rumplled's reviews
477 reviews
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!
Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
dark
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I love this role-reversal take on the tale of Sleeping Beauty.
It was so dark and yet so sweet! You cannot help but love Toadling and Halim.
T Kingfisher's fantasy always hits.
It was so dark and yet so sweet! You cannot help but love Toadling and Halim.
T Kingfisher's fantasy always hits.
All This Twisted Glory by Tahereh Mafi
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This series is a fun fantasy romance melodrama. Nothing is very serious or grounded, but it is still a good time with intriguing magic and mythology.
Voyage of the Damned by Frances White
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
Voyage of the Damned is an Agatha Christie inspired fantasy where the pitiable heir to the lowest province must stop a murderous plot to save his friends and country.
Even though the story revolves around a murder mystery, Dee's narration makes it feel quite fun and silly.
The magic was interesting, but the world-building was a little ridiculous. This book shows that a story can be a silly, goofy time but still have heart and be successful.
Even though the story revolves around a murder mystery, Dee's narration makes it feel quite fun and silly.
The magic was interesting, but the world-building was a little ridiculous. This book shows that a story can be a silly, goofy time but still have heart and be successful.
Sun of Blood and Ruin by Mariely Lares
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The concept (a magical Zorro type) and premise (fighting against Spanish colonization) are interesting, but the execution is poor overall.
The characters were flat, and the world-building and magic system were muddled. I think there is a good book somewhere in there, but it just needed to be edited out.
This book was a real letdown since it has a mythology and setting that I rarely see in adult fantasy, and it was just bungled.
The characters were flat, and the world-building and magic system were muddled. I think there is a good book somewhere in there, but it just needed to be edited out.
This book was a real letdown since it has a mythology and setting that I rarely see in adult fantasy, and it was just bungled.