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sophiawolf's reviews
192 reviews
The Lamplighter by Crystal J. Bell
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Temperance works as the lamplighter of Warbler like her father before his suicide. Warbler is plagued by a thick fog when it is dark, making Temperance’s job crucial for the safety of the people in the port town. However, when a girl goes missing, Temperance’s position is put into jeopardy and she begins investigating what might be behind the mystery, all while she is struggling with her life at home as her family’s provider.
The Lamplighter had a great atmosphere, sinister and mysterious. Often, I could not stop reading, because it was so suspenseful.
In general, the characters were well done, especially with their different ways of coping with their struggles.
While the plot could be somewhat slow, the pace was still fine and didn’t stop this book from being an entertaining read.
However, Temperance could sometimes annoy me, because she often blamed others and misogyny for the consequences of her own actions. There were some misogynistic actions, but Temperance just began using that as an excuse for her poor choices often enough to be annoying. If Temperance was so aware of her social situation, then I hoped she’d make better choices, especially when explaining herself.
While a big part of the ending was obvious, I still liked the ending in a way as it seemed fitting.
I would also recommend it to people who like to read some gothic and slightly spooky things, because this aspect of the book was greatly done!
The Lamplighter had a great atmosphere, sinister and mysterious. Often, I could not stop reading, because it was so suspenseful.
In general, the characters were well done, especially with their different ways of coping with their struggles.
While the plot could be somewhat slow, the pace was still fine and didn’t stop this book from being an entertaining read.
However, Temperance could sometimes annoy me, because she often blamed others and misogyny for the consequences of her own actions. There were some misogynistic actions, but Temperance just began using that as an excuse for her poor choices often enough to be annoying. If Temperance was so aware of her social situation, then I hoped she’d make better choices, especially when explaining herself.
While a big part of the ending was obvious, I still liked the ending in a way as it seemed fitting.
I would also recommend it to people who like to read some gothic and slightly spooky things, because this aspect of the book was greatly done!
Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I devoured this book, because it was so much fun. I loved Sirscha's character and also her interactions with others that bring out all the different sides of her. The magic system and politics in this novel were also intriguing.
Sirscha is a fun protagonist and seeing her overcome both external and internal struggles was interesting to read and her growth was well done. The relationships she had with each character were also unique, though she is only really close with Saengo for the majority of the novel. While this wasn't the most exciting part of the novel, I would say, I hope that there are more complexities and layers revealed in the sequel. The other important side characters couldn't really shine much, but since it's the first book in this series, I didn't mind a lot, especially since the focus was so much on Sirscha and Saengo which was also quite important.
The world building was explained and shown gradually throughout the book and not all at once which made it more interesting to learn about and not too overwhelming. It made sense plot-wise as Sirscha was just discovering more information on the Shamans and Shadowblessed gradually with new experiences. In general, I thought the different abilities were great, since there were so many, but it didn't feel random as they were organised into groups (like the different callings of shamans). The Dead Wood was such a unique place in the novel as well. I liked both the idea and execution very much.
The plot also mostly moved at the right space, so it wasn't boring which constantly led me to continue reading the novel, although the beginning was sort of slow. The glossary was very helpful, especially in the beginning.
What I want more of though is just more depth to the important side characters and more of an exploration of Sirscha's powers in the sequel which I will definitely be reading.
Sirscha is a fun protagonist and seeing her overcome both external and internal struggles was interesting to read and her growth was well done. The relationships she had with each character were also unique, though she is only really close with Saengo for the majority of the novel. While this wasn't the most exciting part of the novel, I would say, I hope that there are more complexities and layers revealed in the sequel. The other important side characters couldn't really shine much, but since it's the first book in this series, I didn't mind a lot, especially since the focus was so much on Sirscha and Saengo which was also quite important.
The world building was explained and shown gradually throughout the book and not all at once which made it more interesting to learn about and not too overwhelming. It made sense plot-wise as Sirscha was just discovering more information on the Shamans and Shadowblessed gradually with new experiences. In general, I thought the different abilities were great, since there were so many, but it didn't feel random as they were organised into groups (like the different callings of shamans). The Dead Wood was such a unique place in the novel as well. I liked both the idea and execution very much.
The plot also mostly moved at the right space, so it wasn't boring which constantly led me to continue reading the novel, although the beginning was sort of slow. The glossary was very helpful, especially in the beginning.
What I want more of though is just more depth to the important side characters and more of an exploration of Sirscha's powers in the sequel which I will definitely be reading.
The Poetry Pharmacy Forever: New Prescriptions to Soothe, Revive and Inspire by William Sieghart
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
3.5
I thought the idea of the book was really great and quite liked the execution of it.
The prescription texts that introduced the subject of each poem were entertaining and gave great insight into the topic of the following poem each time. There was a good range of poems selected, so even though not all were exactly to my taste, I found some that I liked very much and did not know before.
I especially enjoyed "Long Distance II" by Toni Harrison which was very fittingly prescribed for "Grieving Differently", "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley for the "Need To Take Control" as well as "The Lake Isle of Innisfree" by W. B. Yeats for the "Need For Escape".
The prescription texts that introduced the subject of each poem were entertaining and gave great insight into the topic of the following poem each time. There was a good range of poems selected, so even though not all were exactly to my taste, I found some that I liked very much and did not know before.
I especially enjoyed "Long Distance II" by Toni Harrison which was very fittingly prescribed for "Grieving Differently", "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley for the "Need To Take Control" as well as "The Lake Isle of Innisfree" by W. B. Yeats for the "Need For Escape".
Bittersweet in the Hollow by Kate Pearsall
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
In Caball Hollow, a rural town surrounded by forests, the James women of Bittersweet Farm possess unique abilities. Like her family, Linden has a special gift. She can taste the emotions of others. However, that is not all that is special about Caball Hollow. There are old rumours of the Moth-Winged Man who is said to haunt the town. Exactly one year after Linden suddenly disappeared and reappeared with no memories of what happened, another girl disappears, but turns up dead instead. As Linden starts to wonder what really is hiding in the forest, whether it be the Moth-Winged Man or something else, she discovers not only the town’s secrets, but also her family’s.
I love this kind of setting. While the hot summer in a rural town seems safe, the forest poses a strong contrast, especially when something unknown is hiding there. Mixed with the James’ special recipes and abilities, there’s also a great combination between the modern setting and old traditions.
Linden is a good protagonist. Her ability is really unique and the relationships with different family members she has were well portrayed and didn’t fall flat.
The plot itself moved at the appropriate pace. I love the idea of the story, because the more magical aspect is so well combined with the sinister lore of the town without getting too dark and neglecting the comforting atmosphere of Bittersweet Farm.
I’m not quite sure what more I can say, except that I loved ‘Bittersweet in the Hollow’ and I want more stories like this, because this was literally a perfect mix and I’m a fan.
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
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? It's complicated
3.0
The Scholomance is a school for those with magic. Contrary to many wholesome depictions of magical schools, the Scholomance could possibly be one of the worst schools ever, given that there's the constant threat of death. El, the protagonist, is preparing for her graduation that is coming up after her next school year and which is perhaps the most dangerous event after years of enduring constant threats. With no allies, her task is quite daunting. That doesn't stop her from expressing herself, perhaps a little too frankly. All together, El's chances aren't large of making it out alive, even with her dark powers that could endanger others however. Still, El is determined to succeed.
I really liked the characters’ developments throughout the story, particularly El’s.
At first she appeared quite bitter and rude, arguably due to understandable reasons, but later on she kind of lost that. Even though she could technically still come across as rude, it wasn’t with bad intentions anymore and as a joke. Due to the threats and competition in the Scholomance, El often acted only for her own gain initially, but became more selfless the more allies and better relationships she had with her peers. I really like how El began to trust and rely on others.
Orion was pretty naive at first, but it was also understandable due to his sheltered life in the New York enclave. The other enclave students, particularly New York, were no better. However, he started to become more aware, especially due to El’s comments, of the issues the other students experienced and that the world wasn’t as simple as he thought. He didn’t let these bad news change his character and his inherent kindness though, so it was good to see him grow, but not turn into a completely different person.
Aadhya and Liu were great characters as well. It was interesting to read about them, especially when El got to know them better and more of their personality started to show.
The presentation of the enclave children was also well done. As they grew up in their sheltered enclaves, they never had to truly experience the fear of being devoured by the maleficaria. Because of that, it was understandable why they did not understand the privilege they had and also why El disliked it so much. Especially in a situation where less privileged students have to fear for their lives, the ignorance of the enclavers must’ve been frustrating.
The plot moved quickly which I loved. It made the book more addictive and fun to read. Even when I had some issues with the book throughout, it was still too much fun to really stop.
One of the biggest issues perhaps was the descriptions of the Scholomance for me. Some descriptions seemed a bit convoluted and not clear. However, the clearer Scholomance descriptions were interesting to read about due to the fascinating and sinister nature of the school.
While I was reading “A Deadly Education”, I was often debating on whether I should continue reading this trilogy and had actually already decided on “no”, however, about the last 20% convinced me to read the remaining books. Now I can’t wait to pick those up and see how El’s journey in the Scholomance and outside of it proceeds.
I really liked the characters’ developments throughout the story, particularly El’s.
At first she appeared quite bitter and rude, arguably due to understandable reasons, but later on she kind of lost that. Even though she could technically still come across as rude, it wasn’t with bad intentions anymore and as a joke. Due to the threats and competition in the Scholomance, El often acted only for her own gain initially, but became more selfless the more allies and better relationships she had with her peers. I really like how El began to trust and rely on others.
Orion was pretty naive at first, but it was also understandable due to his sheltered life in the New York enclave. The other enclave students, particularly New York, were no better. However, he started to become more aware, especially due to El’s comments, of the issues the other students experienced and that the world wasn’t as simple as he thought. He didn’t let these bad news change his character and his inherent kindness though, so it was good to see him grow, but not turn into a completely different person.
Aadhya and Liu were great characters as well. It was interesting to read about them, especially when El got to know them better and more of their personality started to show.
The presentation of the enclave children was also well done. As they grew up in their sheltered enclaves, they never had to truly experience the fear of being devoured by the maleficaria. Because of that, it was understandable why they did not understand the privilege they had and also why El disliked it so much. Especially in a situation where less privileged students have to fear for their lives, the ignorance of the enclavers must’ve been frustrating.
The plot moved quickly which I loved. It made the book more addictive and fun to read. Even when I had some issues with the book throughout, it was still too much fun to really stop.
One of the biggest issues perhaps was the descriptions of the Scholomance for me. Some descriptions seemed a bit convoluted and not clear. However, the clearer Scholomance descriptions were interesting to read about due to the fascinating and sinister nature of the school.
While I was reading “A Deadly Education”, I was often debating on whether I should continue reading this trilogy and had actually already decided on “no”, however, about the last 20% convinced me to read the remaining books. Now I can’t wait to pick those up and see how El’s journey in the Scholomance and outside of it proceeds.
Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou
adventurous
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? It's complicated
5.0
This is probably one of the best books I've read in ages and I love this book soo much.
The characters are all so loveable and don't appear one-dimensional, particularly Io whose internal struggle with the fate-thread was understandable as well as the struggle with the responsibility her power brings.
Io's, Ava's, and Thais' dynamic as sisters was also well written. None of them are perfect, even Io who is the protagonist.
Io's friendships with others were also fun to read, and the humour was never 'too much', but always the right amount.
The book moved at the best pace possible for the story, so it never got boring, but the book also never felt rushed. Even in moments were the pace slowed a bit, it just emphasised the mood of said moments, and didn't hinder the story.
I really love the world the story is set in. It's quite unique and the imagery is amazing. I love the idea of the different moons and the descriptions of their light, and also the powers some people possess. The worldbuilding was woven well into the story when new things came up, and it never felt like there was just a massive block to explain the world, but instead short, casual mentions were used which didn't interrupt the flow of the story. The ways in which the descendants' powers were expressed was also fun to read about and well thought-out like Io's Quilt. The mystery was also great with the wraiths. Clues were dropped, but they didn't reveal the entire mystery, but they also weren't too ominous to be unimportant.
After having read Threads That Bind, I'll really read anything Kika Hatzopoulou writes.
The characters are all so loveable and don't appear one-dimensional, particularly Io whose internal struggle with the fate-thread was understandable as well as the struggle with the responsibility her power brings.
Io's, Ava's, and Thais' dynamic as sisters was also well written. None of them are perfect, even Io who is the protagonist.
Io's friendships with others were also fun to read, and the humour was never 'too much', but always the right amount.
The book moved at the best pace possible for the story, so it never got boring, but the book also never felt rushed. Even in moments were the pace slowed a bit, it just emphasised the mood of said moments, and didn't hinder the story.
I really love the world the story is set in. It's quite unique and the imagery is amazing. I love the idea of the different moons and the descriptions of their light, and also the powers some people possess. The worldbuilding was woven well into the story when new things came up, and it never felt like there was just a massive block to explain the world, but instead short, casual mentions were used which didn't interrupt the flow of the story. The ways in which the descendants' powers were expressed was also fun to read about and well thought-out like Io's Quilt. The mystery was also great with the wraiths. Clues were dropped, but they didn't reveal the entire mystery, but they also weren't too ominous to be unimportant.
After having read Threads That Bind, I'll really read anything Kika Hatzopoulou writes.
Always Isn't Forever by J.C. Cervantes
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Hart and Ruby's relationship was well written and intriguing to follow. It really increased the suspense and made the book more exciting to read, adding to the supernatural side of the book. Ruby and Hart complement each other perfectly. While I did not like Hart as much as Ruby at the very beginning, I soon began to love both main characters.
The book was also fast paced, so when I was occasionally a little bit bored, it didn't last long and I was immediately drawn back into the story again.
The themes of loss and grief in the book were also handled well and the story was sometimes quite emotional. Although I don't like sad books usually, this book is definitely an exception, as I really enjoyed it. The book surpassed my expectations in terms of the plot and was more engaging and unpredictable than I had initially thought.
The book was also fast paced, so when I was occasionally a little bit bored, it didn't last long and I was immediately drawn back into the story again.
The themes of loss and grief in the book were also handled well and the story was sometimes quite emotional. Although I don't like sad books usually, this book is definitely an exception, as I really enjoyed it. The book surpassed my expectations in terms of the plot and was more engaging and unpredictable than I had initially thought.
Mercury by Lloyd Hall
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.25
Mercury was really entertaining and unique with its setting.
The imagery drew me into the story, particularly after I got used to the initially kind of robotic-sounding writing style.
The illustrations were also an amazing addition to the story.
Lucy was an intriguing and determined character. It was interesting to see the dynamic between Lucy and her mother in the present and the past, and how the years in-between changed Lucy's mother, Helena.
I found Helena to be a complex character whose development was realistic based on her experiences. Helena's friend group was also a fun and diverse assortment of characters.
I particularly loved how past events fit perfectly into the actual present time.
I really wanted the book to be a little longer, especially with the ending!
The imagery drew me into the story, particularly after I got used to the initially kind of robotic-sounding writing style.
The illustrations were also an amazing addition to the story.
Lucy was an intriguing and determined character. It was interesting to see the dynamic between Lucy and her mother in the present and the past, and how the years in-between changed Lucy's mother, Helena.
I found Helena to be a complex character whose development was realistic based on her experiences. Helena's friend group was also a fun and diverse assortment of characters.
I particularly loved how past events fit perfectly into the actual present time.
I really wanted the book to be a little longer, especially with the ending!
Paper Planes by Jennie Wood
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I really enjoyed this book. The development between Leighton and Dylan was presented pretty realistically. Even though the ending was bittersweet, it fit perfectly into the story. The art style was also a nice component of the story.
Mostly, I liked Dylan and Leighton's friendship. Their friendship in the timeline before the camp was beautiful until it started to deteriorate. There were ups and downs in the timeline taking place in the camp which was interesting to read.
I really tried liking Leighton herself, particularly as the plot progressed past half of the story, but as her actions not only hurt her, but also Dylan, I wasn't very sympathetic towards her at the end. Although, I could understand Leighton's struggles with her parents' expectations which put pressure on her.
Dylan was a nice character who developed well throughout the story.
Overall, Dylan's and Leighton's story was intriguing and realistic.
Mostly, I liked Dylan and Leighton's friendship. Their friendship in the timeline before the camp was beautiful until it started to deteriorate. There were ups and downs in the timeline taking place in the camp which was interesting to read.
I really tried liking Leighton herself, particularly as the plot progressed past half of the story, but as her actions not only hurt her, but also Dylan, I wasn't very sympathetic towards her at the end. Although, I could understand Leighton's struggles with her parents' expectations which put pressure on her.
Dylan was a nice character who developed well throughout the story.
Overall, Dylan's and Leighton's story was intriguing and realistic.
A Winter's Promise by Christelle Dabos
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
0.5
I had heard many good things about this book, but I didn't expect to be this deeply disappointed.
The world building itself had much potential, yet somehow it was presented in an incredibly boring way, particularly through the repetitive writing style.
The descriptions kept repeating themselves unnecessarily, always commenting on Ophelia's tiny size and ugly dresses, Thorn's height and how thin he is, Ophelia's aunt's ugly teeth, and more.
Further, the society was supposed to be matriarchal, but then it was rather the opposite in reality.
Ophelia's powers were so interesting, yet she barely used them for anything even slightly exciting.
Ophelia was an unbearable main character. She kept being passive, letting others speak for her and barely doing anything really. Additionally, she's written as incredibly clumsy, breaking objects here and there. It was so annoying to read. Plus, she keeps calling herself plain and not pretty. So why would someone ever want to marry her? She was so immature, but really lacked that self-awareness. She wasn't even clever which could have redeemed her a little. Ophelia had no good qualities; she was just flawed.
Thorn can't show any form of politeness which was, again, annoying. I also couldn't find myself being interested in any interaction Ophelia had with him. His behaviour was so unnecessarily rude and their interactions were mostly bland.
All the characters also felt more like caricatures and not deep. Ophelia was presented as this quiet girl in comparison to her loud relatives, like her aunt who chaperones Ophelia on the Pole. Especially the women are presented as shallow and nothing more. The characters behaved pretty hostile towards other women as well.
Also, the incest weirded me out which I hadn't really seen mentioned in most reviews I'd seen beforehand.
For the plot, I'd expected compelling political intrigues, but found a lack thereof. The plot moved so slowly that it felt like nothing really impactful had happened when Ophelia stayed at the Pole.
Overall, this book was just a massive disappointment, although it had so much potential.
The world building itself had much potential, yet somehow it was presented in an incredibly boring way, particularly through the repetitive writing style.
The descriptions kept repeating themselves unnecessarily, always commenting on Ophelia's tiny size and ugly dresses, Thorn's height and how thin he is, Ophelia's aunt's ugly teeth, and more.
Further, the society was supposed to be matriarchal, but then it was rather the opposite in reality.
Ophelia's powers were so interesting, yet she barely used them for anything even slightly exciting.
Ophelia was an unbearable main character. She kept being passive, letting others speak for her and barely doing anything really. Additionally, she's written as incredibly clumsy, breaking objects here and there. It was so annoying to read. Plus, she keeps calling herself plain and not pretty. So why would someone ever want to marry her? She was so immature, but really lacked that self-awareness. She wasn't even clever which could have redeemed her a little. Ophelia had no good qualities; she was just flawed.
Thorn can't show any form of politeness which was, again, annoying. I also couldn't find myself being interested in any interaction Ophelia had with him. His behaviour was so unnecessarily rude and their interactions were mostly bland.
All the characters also felt more like caricatures and not deep. Ophelia was presented as this quiet girl in comparison to her loud relatives, like her aunt who chaperones Ophelia on the Pole. Especially the women are presented as shallow and nothing more. The characters behaved pretty hostile towards other women as well.
Also, the incest weirded me out which I hadn't really seen mentioned in most reviews I'd seen beforehand.
For the plot, I'd expected compelling political intrigues, but found a lack thereof. The plot moved so slowly that it felt like nothing really impactful had happened when Ophelia stayed at the Pole.
Overall, this book was just a massive disappointment, although it had so much potential.