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speculativeshelves's reviews
703 reviews
Last Flight by Liane Merciel
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
4.75
Without a doubt my favorite of the Dragon Age tie-in novels. I loved how the two timelines came together in the end, both protagonists were engaging and layered (particularly Isseya), and I was completely invested in the plot. The ultimate ending was hopeful but the last few chapters leading up to it destroyed me.
The Grey Wardens will always be one of my favorite parts of this world and so it was fascinating to learn more about them and devastating to see the horrors of the Fourth Blight unfold (the fact that the Fifth Blight in Dragon Age: Origins ended so quickly is quite a feat). I especially loved how the plot engaged with the difficult choices that have to be made to end a Blight - Grey Wardens must do whatever it takes but at what cost? Intertwined with that was some interesting exploration of Blood Magic - what it entails, its effects, its benefits. It was a nuanced perspective that you don't always get in the games.
Another thing that I enjoyed about Last Flight was how it did not have a main romantic subplot (other than one between side characters). The main relationships that got focus were friendships and, in the case of Isseya and Garahel, a sibling relationship. Isseya could've easily been romantically paired up with Calien (and I wouldn't have entirely been opposed) but instead they just maintained a strong and deep friendship throughout the years that was refreshing to see.
The griffons are absolutely the highlight of this book (which is why the ending hit me so hard). Looking forward to seeing more of them in Dragon Age: The Veilguard where I will do everything in my power to ensure history does not repeat itself. I will protect the griffons!
The Grey Wardens will always be one of my favorite parts of this world and so it was fascinating to learn more about them and devastating to see the horrors of the Fourth Blight unfold (the fact that the Fifth Blight in Dragon Age: Origins ended so quickly is quite a feat). I especially loved how the plot engaged with the difficult choices that have to be made to end a Blight - Grey Wardens must do whatever it takes but at what cost? Intertwined with that was some interesting exploration of Blood Magic - what it entails, its effects, its benefits. It was a nuanced perspective that you don't always get in the games.
Another thing that I enjoyed about Last Flight was how it did not have a main romantic subplot (other than one between side characters). The main relationships that got focus were friendships and, in the case of Isseya and Garahel, a sibling relationship. Isseya could've easily been romantically paired up with Calien (and I wouldn't have entirely been opposed) but instead they just maintained a strong and deep friendship throughout the years that was refreshing to see.
The griffons are absolutely the highlight of this book (which is why the ending hit me so hard). Looking forward to seeing more of them in Dragon Age: The Veilguard where I will do everything in my power to ensure history does not repeat itself. I will protect the griffons!
The Masked Empire by Patrick Weekes
adventurous
medium-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
Absolutely the best DA tie-in novel I've read so far. Weekes' writing is stronger and more engaging than Gaider's (which is ultimately fine).
The first half didn't grab me initially because while I love political intrigue in fantasy I, apparently, do not care about to politics of Orlais. Specifically, I was not super invested in Celene and Gaspard (both as characters or as potential rulers) and so I found their POVs tedious (though I did grow to be a bit more interested in Gaspard and the chevaliers by the end). The second half of the book, which takes on more of a quest element, was much more engaging - especially because it delved more into aspects of Dragon Age lore that I enjoy (dynamics between Dalish/City elves, eluvians, spirits/demons, etc.).
In terms of characters, the true standouts of this book are Briala, Felassan, and Michel de Chevin who were all fascinating and complicated. It makes me wish Briala and Michel both had bigger roles in Inquisition - the game didn't quite do them justice.
The ending was excellent and set the stage for my next DA:I very well. I'm glad I've finally read this before a playthrough as it will be interesting to see how it impacts my perspective on Wicked Eyes, Wicked Hearts this time around.
The first half didn't grab me initially because while I love political intrigue in fantasy I, apparently, do not care about to politics of Orlais. Specifically, I was not super invested in Celene and Gaspard (both as characters or as potential rulers) and so I found their POVs tedious (though I did grow to be a bit more interested in Gaspard and the chevaliers by the end). The second half of the book, which takes on more of a quest element, was much more engaging - especially because it delved more into aspects of Dragon Age lore that I enjoy (dynamics between Dalish/City elves, eluvians, spirits/demons, etc.).
In terms of characters, the true standouts of this book are Briala, Felassan, and Michel de Chevin who were all fascinating and complicated. It makes me wish Briala and Michel both had bigger roles in Inquisition - the game didn't quite do them justice.
The ending was excellent and set the stage for my next DA:I very well. I'm glad I've finally read this before a playthrough as it will be interesting to see how it impacts my perspective on Wicked Eyes, Wicked Hearts this time around.
The Incredible Yet True Adventures of Alexander Von Humboldt: The Greatest Inventor-Naturalist-Scientist-Explorer Who Ever Lived by Volker Mehnert
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Engaging middle grade biography with lots of beautiful illustrations. Absolutely would recommend for curious kids in the 8-12 range, particularly if they're interested in science and exploration.
While geared toward a middle grade audience, it was still an enjoyable read as an adult (perfect for adults like me who would be interested in learning about Alexander von Humboldt's life but unwilling to commit to a longer and more detailed biography).
While geared toward a middle grade audience, it was still an enjoyable read as an adult (perfect for adults like me who would be interested in learning about Alexander von Humboldt's life but unwilling to commit to a longer and more detailed biography).
The Traitor Queen by Danielle L. Jensen
adventurous
tense
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
3.75
This sequel improved the small complaints I had with the first book. I was quite invested in the story and characters, I loved all of the angst involved with Lara and Aren's arc in this book, and the ending was satisfying.
I also appreciate Danielle L. Jensen's pacing throughout these two books both in terms of romantic pacing and the fantasy plot. While I find many romantasy books these days to be full of insta-love and have high page counts despite nothing happening, this story was the opposite. The romance was never rushed and the plot was never unnecessarily dragged out - every scene felt like it had a purpose.
I definitely recommend this series for anyone looking for excellent enemies to lovers romantasy (especially if you want something a bit more adult than YA - it's probably one of the best examples of New Adult Romantasy). The Bridge Kingdom and The Traitor Queen feel a bit more like parts one and two of a standalone novel rather than a true duology so be prepared to jump immediately to this installment after finishing the first one. You also don't have to feel like you're committed to reading a six book series when you start as this series works as a collection of three standalone duologies following different couples. The Traitor Queen has a satisfying end but leaves a few interesting seeds planted for the next two books following Keris and Zarrah (as well as Books 5 and 6 which follow Ahnna).
I also appreciate Danielle L. Jensen's pacing throughout these two books both in terms of romantic pacing and the fantasy plot. While I find many romantasy books these days to be full of insta-love and have high page counts despite nothing happening, this story was the opposite. The romance was never rushed and the plot was never unnecessarily dragged out - every scene felt like it had a purpose.
I definitely recommend this series for anyone looking for excellent enemies to lovers romantasy (especially if you want something a bit more adult than YA - it's probably one of the best examples of New Adult Romantasy). The Bridge Kingdom and The Traitor Queen feel a bit more like parts one and two of a standalone novel rather than a true duology so be prepared to jump immediately to this installment after finishing the first one. You also don't have to feel like you're committed to reading a six book series when you start as this series works as a collection of three standalone duologies following different couples. The Traitor Queen has a satisfying end but leaves a few interesting seeds planted for the next two books following Keris and Zarrah (as well as Books 5 and 6 which follow Ahnna).
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
adventurous
tense
medium-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
3.5
Solid fantasy romance that checks a lot boxes for me personally: political intrigue, a well-paced slow-burn romance, enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, betrayals. The ending was particularly strong and makes me excited to read the sequel.
What makes this not quite a 4 star for me is the fact that while I enjoyed everything I didn't find any of it particularly memorable. I'm not sure how much I'm going to think about this story when compared to similar stories that I've read. I quite liked both Lara and Aren but ultimately I wish they had more depth (same goes for various side characters who I enjoyed but felt one-note). The tropical setting was unique but I never felt immersed. The political intrigue was well-executed but at times quite predictable.
Ultimately I was in the mood for an enjoyable romantasy and this delivered even if it wasn't the most memorable. I definitely recommend as a "lighter" romantasy read that still has a decent amount of plot - there are high stakes but it's not a super complex or convoluted story. I particularly think it's a great bridge (lol) from YA fantasy to Adult Romantasy - the writing style definitely reminds me quite a bit of Throne of Glass and Dance of Thieves in particular.
What makes this not quite a 4 star for me is the fact that while I enjoyed everything I didn't find any of it particularly memorable. I'm not sure how much I'm going to think about this story when compared to similar stories that I've read. I quite liked both Lara and Aren but ultimately I wish they had more depth (same goes for various side characters who I enjoyed but felt one-note). The tropical setting was unique but I never felt immersed. The political intrigue was well-executed but at times quite predictable.
Ultimately I was in the mood for an enjoyable romantasy and this delivered even if it wasn't the most memorable. I definitely recommend as a "lighter" romantasy read that still has a decent amount of plot - there are high stakes but it's not a super complex or convoluted story. I particularly think it's a great bridge (lol) from YA fantasy to Adult Romantasy - the writing style definitely reminds me quite a bit of Throne of Glass and Dance of Thieves in particular.
Bottoms Up and the Devil Laughs: A Journey Through the Deep State by Kerry Howley
informative
medium-paced
4.0
A compelling read and a fascinating look at a number of topics - post 9/11 surveillance, drone warfare, confidentiality, whistleblowers, conspiracy theories, the framing and interpretation of information, and the justice system. I liked how it gave a broad overview of the past 20+ years from the War on Terror through the insurrection of January 6th, 2021. A lot is covered despite this being a relatively short and quick read.
I quite enjoyed how the author wove together the stories of a variety of people - John Lindt, John Kiriakou, Chelsea Manning, Joe Biggs, and Reality Winner (to name just a few). Occasionally the various stories told in this meandered didn't always provide a solid conclusion but that didn't take away much from my enjoyment.
It's quite a thought provoking book that I feel primarily explores how nuanced situations/ideas get approached through a lens of subjective black and white morality. It also makes you VERY aware of how much of your information is monitored and collected (and sometimes ignored because the amount is overwhelmingly large - and continues to grow). To any NSA agent reading this review for whatever reason: hello!
I quite enjoyed how the author wove together the stories of a variety of people - John Lindt, John Kiriakou, Chelsea Manning, Joe Biggs, and Reality Winner (to name just a few). Occasionally the various stories told in this meandered didn't always provide a solid conclusion but that didn't take away much from my enjoyment.
It's quite a thought provoking book that I feel primarily explores how nuanced situations/ideas get approached through a lens of subjective black and white morality. It also makes you VERY aware of how much of your information is monitored and collected (and sometimes ignored because the amount is overwhelmingly large - and continues to grow). To any NSA agent reading this review for whatever reason: hello!
Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler
challenging
dark
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
5.0
This is an incredible and satisfying follow-up to Parable of the Sower. While the ending feels hopeful, the bleak world presented here got a bit hard to read at times because it felt a bit Too Real given the current state of America (particularly re: Christian Nationalism/the upcoming 2024 election).
The story and the world Octavia Butler crafted in this duology is incredibly layered and thought-provoking. This is one of those books I wish I had read in college because the discussions would be fascinating. I particularly loved the inclusion of Larkin/Asha's POV which created a fascinating contrast to Lauren's main POV. The exploration of complicated family dynamics pushed this from a 4.5 to a 5 star read for me.
The story and the world Octavia Butler crafted in this duology is incredibly layered and thought-provoking. This is one of those books I wish I had read in college because the discussions would be fascinating. I particularly loved the inclusion of Larkin/Asha's POV which created a fascinating contrast to Lauren's main POV. The exploration of complicated family dynamics pushed this from a 4.5 to a 5 star read for me.
Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
This was excellent! I've been wary of contemporary rom-coms lately, particularly YA (as I'm not the target audience), so I went into this book with slightly lower expectations in terms of my own personal enjoyment (especially because I also just did not click with this author's writing style in The Atlas Six, written under her Olivie Blake pseudonym). All that being said, Twelfth Knight sounded exactly like my kind of rom-com (Shakespeare retelling set in high school, fandom culture, a prickly heroine, slow burn rivals to lovers) and it absolutely delivered. This was a lot of fun. If you have a nostalgic love for 2000s romcoms based on Shakespeare plays/classic novels (She's the Man, 10 Things I Hate About You, Clueless, etc.), you will likely love this.
It's dual POV, which I don't always love in romances but overall it worked well here, especially in terms of the "false identity" plot (though I greatly preferred reading from Vi's POV). Vi and Jack both have their own personal arcs outside of their romance (though the romance is central) which I appreciated and their banter was excellent. This was also a true slow burn (with a perfectly paced rivals to friends to lovers arc) which is refreshing when most books marketed as "slow burn" either take place over a very short period of time or include some type of insta-love/lust/attraction.
Outside of the romance I appreciated the focus on other relationship dynamics. In Vi's POV in particular there was a focus on her relationship with her mom and brother, her best friend Antonia, and her growing friendship with Olivia. All of these relationships felt just as important and as well developed as her romance with Jack. I think this aspect is one of the weaker parts of Jack's POV - outside of his evolving relationship with Vi, his familial relationships and other friendships (perhaps with the exception of Olivia) felt a bit underdeveloped in comparison.
I also really enjoyed the exploration of fandom culture (and particularly the experience of being female/female-presenting in sci-fi/fantasy fandom spaces). Sometimes the fandom experience in contemporary novels doesn't always feel authentic to me but it definitely did here. You can tell Alexene Farol Follmuth has been in the trenches of 2010s Tumblr fandoms (and if you were also in those trenches, like me, it will add to your enjoyment of this book). The experience of tabletop RPGs and MMORPGs also felt authentic. Even though I'm not really a MMORPG player anymore, I was getting nostalgic for the brief time in high school I played World of Warcraft and was even tempted to log into my SWTOR account for the first time in years. The concept of the MMORPG in the book was so well developed that I'm disappointed it doesn't actually existthe Arthur and Guinevere twist at the end of the game's story was just as exciting for me as it was for Vi and Jack - and I loved how it mirrored their relationship a bit .
It's dual POV, which I don't always love in romances but overall it worked well here, especially in terms of the "false identity" plot (though I greatly preferred reading from Vi's POV). Vi and Jack both have their own personal arcs outside of their romance (though the romance is central) which I appreciated and their banter was excellent. This was also a true slow burn (with a perfectly paced rivals to friends to lovers arc) which is refreshing when most books marketed as "slow burn" either take place over a very short period of time or include some type of insta-love/lust/attraction.
Outside of the romance I appreciated the focus on other relationship dynamics. In Vi's POV in particular there was a focus on her relationship with her mom and brother, her best friend Antonia, and her growing friendship with Olivia. All of these relationships felt just as important and as well developed as her romance with Jack. I think this aspect is one of the weaker parts of Jack's POV - outside of his evolving relationship with Vi, his familial relationships and other friendships (perhaps with the exception of Olivia) felt a bit underdeveloped in comparison.
I also really enjoyed the exploration of fandom culture (and particularly the experience of being female/female-presenting in sci-fi/fantasy fandom spaces). Sometimes the fandom experience in contemporary novels doesn't always feel authentic to me but it definitely did here. You can tell Alexene Farol Follmuth has been in the trenches of 2010s Tumblr fandoms (and if you were also in those trenches, like me, it will add to your enjoyment of this book). The experience of tabletop RPGs and MMORPGs also felt authentic. Even though I'm not really a MMORPG player anymore, I was getting nostalgic for the brief time in high school I played World of Warcraft and was even tempted to log into my SWTOR account for the first time in years. The concept of the MMORPG in the book was so well developed that I'm disappointed it doesn't actually exist
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
So devastated I didn't enjoy this! I loved The Dead Romantics and The Seven Year Slip so I thought I'd love this one for sure (especially because I loved the "falling-into-your-favorite-book-series" portal fantasy concept - see: how much I loved Sarah Rees Brennan's Long Live Evil which also comes out this summer and I think does this concept better but it's also unfair to compare because they are different books in different genres doing different things).
Unfortunately I did not care about the characters at all...Eileen, Anders, and all of the side characters felt so one dimensional to me and so I was never invested in both the main and subplots. The romance happened way too quickly for my liking and the obstacles they faced leading to the "third act breakup" were underwhelming so the ultimate conclusion was just...meh. I don't think I'll remember this one all that much.
There were also a lot of repetitive descriptions that grew tiresome and quite a few jokes that didn't land (when normally Ashley Poston's humor works for me). That being said, while I don't think the writing in this book is as strong as her other work, Ashley Poston's writing overall is still great and it is ultimately what kept me from dnf-ing. While I didn't necessarily care about the romance, the romantic scenes were so well written that there were moments I was rooting for them. I also continue to love the magical elements she includes in her contemporary romances - even if the execution in this one wasn't my favorite. The slight mystery surrounding how the town from the books existed and how Anders was connected kept me intrigued throughout and I ultimately liked how it was explained.
I do think that my feelings on this book have a lot to do with the fact that I personally am not huge a contemporary small-town romance fan and this year in particular I've been getting picky with the romances I read. I think this will work better for a lot of other readers and Ashley Poston readers may still want to give this one a chance.
Unfortunately I did not care about the characters at all...Eileen, Anders, and all of the side characters felt so one dimensional to me and so I was never invested in both the main and subplots. The romance happened way too quickly for my liking and the obstacles they faced leading to the "third act breakup" were underwhelming so the ultimate conclusion was just...meh. I don't think I'll remember this one all that much.
There were also a lot of repetitive descriptions that grew tiresome and quite a few jokes that didn't land (when normally Ashley Poston's humor works for me). That being said, while I don't think the writing in this book is as strong as her other work, Ashley Poston's writing overall is still great and it is ultimately what kept me from dnf-ing. While I didn't necessarily care about the romance, the romantic scenes were so well written that there were moments I was rooting for them. I also continue to love the magical elements she includes in her contemporary romances - even if the execution in this one wasn't my favorite. The slight mystery surrounding how the town from the books existed and how Anders was connected kept me intrigued throughout and I ultimately liked how it was explained.
I do think that my feelings on this book have a lot to do with the fact that I personally am not huge a contemporary small-town romance fan and this year in particular I've been getting picky with the romances I read. I think this will work better for a lot of other readers and Ashley Poston readers may still want to give this one a chance.
Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (And Everything in Between) by Lauren Graham
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
Quick and enjoyable memoir. As expected the audiobook is excellent since it's read by Lauren Graham herself. Some chapters I found more interesting than others but as a fan of both <i>Gilmore Girls</i> and <i>Parenthood</i> I'm glad I finally got to this! I do with the chapter on <i>Parenthood</i> was a little bit longer though.