rumplled's reviews
513 reviews

How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying by Django Wexler

adventurous funny lighthearted 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

4.25

Based on the title, I expected (and wanted) to follow an entirely villainous character. However, Davi is so desensitized to death (both hers and those around her) since she has been reincarnated into the same life so many times.

Davi has a strong character voice and somewhat kooky inner monologue (very fourth wall breaking), which will likely rub some readers the wrong way (especially since she is so clearly a woman written by a man), but I enjoy strong character choices. 

Overall, this was the start of a fun and intriguing world to explore, and it was exciting to see Davi use her vast knowledge from her past lives to outsmart and work around her problems. 

I am definitely intrigued enough to pick up the second book when it comes out.

Dark Moon, Shallow Sea by David R. Slayton

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The book has an interesting premise, but the magic and world-building were underexplained (kind of for plot reasons...maybe), which left me confused multiple times. I did like the inversion of the dark (moon) and light (sun) power struggle and how the church is really only out for its own political benefit. 

While fun and exciting, I do not see why this would need a sequel when the ending/epilogue felt so final. 

To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods by Molly X. Chang

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

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

3.5

The book's strongest parts are the magic and mythology of the world, especially when contrasted with the colonizing science. (It reminds me a little bit of the Fullmetal Alchemist movie.) 

Because Ruying is so incredibly naive, the story and "romance" are frustrating to follow. But I will give the series the benefit of the doubt that it will not go full colonizer apologist since this is an OWN Voices author. I just wish there had not been that one Antony chapter...

Destroy the Day by Brigid Kemmerer

adventurous 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? No

3.5

Brigid did a great job of creating a fast-paced and super-consumable story. The series is a classic YA fantasy—a little unbelievable but so fun to read. You cannot help but root for her characters, partially because the antagonists are cartoonishly evil. 

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

While stressful, the book was delightful, and I was totally rooting for Emma & Justin.

Since I did not read the first two books in this series, I was utterly shocked by the reveal and ending (not in a bad way). This book would make for the perfect summer read if you like a dash of crying with it. 

Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No

2.75

For such an intriguing and unique world, the story was incredibly boring. 

The combination of over-explaining some of the world-building and then not explaining others, plus the overall poor pacing, really hindered the political fantasy plot.  Once again, a great idea was failed by poor execution.

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.