s_holdthebus's reviews
35 reviews

adventurous dark slow-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

3.0

I had a lot of high hopes for this book, but ultimately was a bit of a let down. The writing felt a bit bland and unimaginative, especially since everything was told to us, and not an enough of showing us. I really wish Riven was more interesting, he felt very one dimensional and boring to me, so the romance held very little interest for me.

I will say, I really appreciate the scene where they kissed and only kissed. The consent was great to see and I’m glad they didn’t rush any sex scenes.

Overall, it was a meh book for me. Lots of the same things you see in Romantasy books, which is not a bad thing! I just needed something more, something that expanded off of what we’ve already seen.

Lord of Gold and Glory by Lisette Marshall

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful 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

Court of Blood and Bindings by Lisette Marshall

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adventurous dark emotional 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 Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth

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adventurous dark mysterious slow-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

3.0

I was immediately hooked with the prologue and then my interest sadly just dissipated from there which is a bummer because this book is 500 pages.

I really only like Nausicaa, even if she was immature most of the time for an immortal, but she had the most depth out of all the characters. If this book were shorter, with more of a focus on character development and interactions and less on exposition, I would’ve really loved it!

And don’t get me wrong, I love DND but to have it play almost a significant role in the plot near the last 25% of the book was an interesting choice, especially when we already know Magic has been established.

Overall, I loved the LGBTQ rep and Nausicaa and the audio performance, but would’ve loved a lot more character development!

The Baker & the Bard by Fern Haught

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adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced