spootilious's reviews
116 reviews

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous 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? No

4.0

Read: September 12, 2023
Title: Tress of the Emerald Sea
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Rating: 4/5
Review:

The biggest take away for this review is that this novel was loads of fun with such a unique world and wonderful characters.

The details: I am no stranger to Brandon Sanderson. I adore his work! That being said Tress of the Emerald Sea, which having the feel of many of his other works, is something unto itself.

The novel is fun and whimsical, with characters that are so lovable it hurts and villains that are just as loath-able. The nods to other worlds and characters in the cosmere is ever present which could be a bit confusing to a casual Sanderson reader (rather than the dedicated ones) but not so much so that it takes too much away from the story.

Sanderson has always had a talent for writing women and there is no exception here.

The world building is stunning (as expected) and so unique (also as expected).

Now, despite all of this it is not a 5 star book in my opinion. The ‘twists’ of the novel are extremely predictable. Perhaps this might be because I have read too much of Sanderson’s works but regardless, I found more of the world building (particularly the spores and interactions with them) far more surprising and intriguing than the actual plot ‘twists’. Though, I find that I am very rarely surprised but plot twists now a day, so perhaps it is just me.

I will also say that one of the signatures of a Brandon Sanderson book is it’s explosive and captivating ending. It is something I have come to expect and is typically delivered, and while the ending of this novel is fast paced and entertaining I would not categorize it as explosive (at least not figuratively) nor captivating. That is not to say that it wasn’t good, far from it, the ending was practically perfect. It was simply not what I had come to expect from a Sanderson novel, it seemed to fall just a tad bit short of my expectations; the book as a whole however met them all head on.

I loved this novel and will be recommending it as a wonderful first step into the Cosmere!

Minor TW: Death, Self harm, Vomit, Confinement, Murder, Slavery, War, Violence, Suicide, Classism, Blood, Guns.

Quotes:

If you wish to become a storyteller, here is a hint: sell your labor, but not your mind.

One of the great tragedies of life is knowing how many people in the world are made to soar, paint, sing, or steer—except they never get the chance to find out.

If bravery is the wind that makes us soar like kites, fear is the string that keeps us from going too far.

More twisted than a librarian’s love life (trust me, they’re a strange bunch)

You can’t taste a memory without tainting it with who you have become.

Memories are fossils, the bones left by dead versions of ourselves.

Worry has weight, and is an infinitely renewable resource.

After spending ages walking around with everyone piling bricks in your arms, it can throw you off balance when someone removes a brick to carry for you.

If we let it, memory can make shadows of the now, as nothing can match the buttressed legends of our past.

Content Warnings

In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune

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dark emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.0

Read: September 11, 2023
Title: In the Lives of Puppets
Author: T.J. Klune
Genre: Adult LGBT Fiction
Rating: 3/5
Review:

I wanted to love this book so very much, however, I’m afraid that I simply liked it. The novel is cute with an edge of darkness to it but overall, a decent read. The characters are lovable and unique and the storyline, while predictable, was entertaining.

I suppose it fell a bit short for me for a number of reasons. The foremost being that Klune as shown us he can write better than this. While, House on the Cerulean Sea comes to mind, even the less fantastic novel Under the Whispering Door felt more enticing. That, of course, isn’t to say that this book was bad but rather not as good.

Much of the storyline felt forced, trying to fit into the Pinocchio retelling, and some of the dialog seems a bit clunky (and not due to the robots). This isn’t to mention the strange obsession these robots had with sex… but that last bit might just be a me thing…. Not sure.

Regardless, an overall decent book, though not one I’d read again and not one of Klune’s best.

Quotes:

“Forgiving others could be difficult, but forgiving yourself can sometimes feel impossible.”

TW: Blood and Violence, Minor TW: Abandonment, Animal death, Body shaming, confinement, Death of a parent, Death, Dementia, Fire/Fire injure, Genocide, Grief, Sexual Content, Torture.

Content Warnings

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

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emotional mysterious reflective slow-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? It's complicated

3.5

Read: August 21, 2023
Title: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Series: Aristotle and Dante#1
Author: Benjamin Alire Saenz
Genre: Young Adult
Rating: 3.5/5
Review:

The moment I began reading this book all I could think of was how Benjamin Alire Saenz’s writing style reminded me of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Of Love and Other Demons is perhaps one of my favorite magical realism novels I have experienced thus far. And as for Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe… It is magical realism at its finest! Perhaps not quite Gabriel Garcia Marquez but I’m not surprised it has won so many rewards.

Obviously, I find the writing absolutely beautiful. The story, although engaging, had no real plot and tended feel a bit forced with some of its dialog but I was never bored. Overall, it was a simple but beautifully written slice of life.

I will admit, though, it was not what I expected this book to be. The light hearted young adult LGBT romance I expected turned out to be the study and exploration of it is to be human; of the loving and strained relationships between a parent and their child; of the existence of one’s self outside of expectations both imposed and internal; a study of the complexity of emotions; and a simple coming of age story. This book was all of these things and more…. And less.

I think (and this is just my opinion) that Benhamin Alire Saenz didn’t write this book to be simply read… but rather to be experienced. While, that sounds simple on the surface it can be a very arduous task for the author and for the reader. Experiences are not universal and thus will not always appeal to some individuals, so I cannot recommend this book to just anyone.

However…

If you are one that loves poetic verse, the simplicity of a slice of life novel, or simply wish to try to discover the secrets of your own universe…. I cannot recommend this novel enough.

Quotes:

“Words were different when they lived inside of you.”

"We all fight our own private wars."

TW: Violence, homophobia, transphobia, foul language, injury, Mentions of Murder, Underage drinking, drug abuse

Content Warnings

No Gods, No Monsters by Cadwell Turnbull

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

Read: August 16, 2023
Title: No Gods, No Monsters

Series: The Convergence Saga #1
Author: Cadwell Turnbull
Genre: Fantasy Horror
Rating: 2/5
Review:

I don’t really have a lot to say about this one. I didn’t… NOT like it, but there isn’t much I specifically liked either.

What I can say is that the writing style is beautiful. It is obvious that Turnbull is very talented. However, the storyline and the characters have this sort of vagueness that keeps anything from truly standing out.

From what I can tell, most people complain at how the story jumps around and the points of view shift so strangely. I can understand their point. I suppose I’ve read enough novels written this way that it wasn’t too bad for me. Though I will say with just a small shuffle of one or two chapters Turnbull could have kept the mystery while still making the shifts less jarring for the reader. In my opinion he didn’t quite manage what he was going for.

I will also say that physically reading the book makes it more understandable than listening to the audiobook which is what I first attempted. Dion Graham is one of the sexiest narrators I’ve come across but there was nothing he could do with this one to make it easier to understand.

Overall, not a bad book but not a great one in my opinion. Bit overhyped but love the writing style 😊

Quotes:

N/A

TW: Rape, Murder, Gore, Vore, Body Horror, Mass shooting, General Violence

Content Warnings

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

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dark slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

Read: July 5, 2023
Title: Game of Thrones

Series: Song of Ice and Fire #1
Author: George RR Martin
Genre: High Fantasy
Rating: 2/5
Review:

I am trying with this series… For the 10th time. Truly I am….

I pride myself in my love of high fantasy and with so many in love with this series I have continuously given it a try, much to my disappointment… Rather than go on for ages here are the things I do not like about this book:
- George RR Martin is so unbelievably dry that I would rather be reading a history book and probably be more entertained.

-The attempt at writing realistic sex scenes from a woman’s perspective

-All the sex

-How unbelievably predictable it is

-The lack of logic behind practically every character

-Beating the reader over the head with things that are supposed to be plot points but are obviously there for nothing more than disillusion (The ‘bastard’ bit with Jon Snow… I have a very good idea who he actually is but do not want to write it here if that is the case but he is no bastard I GARUNTEE you that… Far from it)

-How crazy every single woman that is not a stark is.

Now for the things I like:

-The feeling of realism despite how boring it is

-The Characterizations of some of the characters (specifically Tyrion and Ned)

-It is… technically fantasy….

That’s about it… That’s all I got… I’ll check back in after book 2.

Quotes:

“… A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.”

“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armour yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.”

“Most men would rather deny a hard truth than face it.”

“Why is it that when one man builds a wall, the next man immediately needs to know what's on the other side?”

“A craven can be as brave as any man, when there is nothing to fear. And we all do our duty, when there is no cost to it. How easy it seems then, to walk the path of honor. Yet soon or late in every man's life comes a day when it is not easy, a day when he must choose.”

“You can't hammer tin into iron, no matter how hard you beat it, but that doesn't mean it's useless.”

“The world was full of cravens who pretended to be heroes; it took a queer sort of courage to admit to cowardice...”

TW: Rape, Murder, Gore

While Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams

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mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.5

Read: June 29, 2023
Title: While Justice Sleeps

Series: Avery Keene #1
Author: Stacey Abrams
Genre: Political Thriller
Rating: 3.5/5
Review:

I went into this novel not having read any of Stacey Abrams’ works and not a big fan of political thrillers… and I must say I was pleasantly surprised.

Abrams has talents for days, but I think we all knew that. The novel has a number of twists and turns that, while perhaps not surprising, are handled well and efficiently. Her characters are well written and stand on their own and the plot is engaging.

I will say that I found the dialogue lacking in some cases and it is obvious that Abrams doesn’t have much experience (or has done enough research) on some of the actions portrayed in this novel, but it is entertaining to say the least.

I found that the melodrama with the mother to be a bit distracting and unnecessary as well. Though, I found the romance to be refreshing, having the backdrop of the novel rather than the forefront.

Overall, a solid read that I quite enjoyed and would recommend.

Quotes:

N/A

TW: Rape, Drug Abuse, Gaslighting

It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Read: May 25, 2023
Title: It Starts With Us
Series: It Ends With Us #2
Author: Colleen Hoover
Genre: Romance
Rating: 3/5
Review:

So… After I provided a fairly low rating of It Ends With Us… I’m probably going to give everyone whiplash… I really enjoyed It Starts With Us. I’ll admit I had ZERO plans of reading it after the mess that was book one but, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t giving Hoover a decent chance. I have a number of people who are near and dear to me that adore her and could not understand why after reading book 1. I had to be missing something… So, I decided to give her another try.

I won’t lie and say I loved It Starts With Us but It is certainly far better than It Ends With Us (though it’s not difficult to go up from there). Still, I found myself grinning at the endless witty banter and cheesy lines. It almost felt like a heated blanket on a cold winter night. Like Hoover was trying to sooth the sting of the reader after everything that happened in book one.

Atlas is adorable and I love him. Lily is still a bit bland for my taste but the different POVs were helpful in handling her. Though for such a short book the story dragged in places and felt completely disconnected from book 1 (Where book one felt like a soap opera justifying gaslighting and abuse, book 2 felt like a cozy sitcom). After glancing over some of the reviews for this book, I feel like this is the reason so many readers hate this one… It’s just so… Different. It was nice to see a health relationship though (Though I’m sad that the brother and his friend didn’t turn into a couple).

My opinion of Hoover’s writing style remains the same. I am obviously not her target audience, but her writing style feels more suited to younger adults that have not seen enough drama in their lives and I can appreciate that.

Overall, I doubt I’ll be searching Hoover’s books out regulars but, I won’t turn my nose up at them either and I wouldn’t mind suggesting this one to a select few.

Quotes:

N/A

TW: Violence, Mentions of Abuse, Child Abuse.

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne

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lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

Read: May 23, 2023
Title: Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea
Series: Tomes and Tea #1
Author: Rebecca Thorne
Genre: LGBTQ Fantasy
Rating: 2/5
Review:

I went into this book with little expectation outside of a cozy fantasy. To be honest, I’m not even sure I’d classify it as cozy. Regardless, I was a bit disappointed.

The story line is okay overall but the pacing is all wrong. I found myself bored quite often and the being directed this way or that rather than my attention being pulled (i.e. a lot of telling and very little showing). I wouldn’t be surprised to discover this was a Nanowrimo prompt or something similar.

The relationship felt a bit force, the worldbuilding was below par and there wasn’t much substance to the book. It certainly left me wanting.

That isn’t to say it was terrible. The characters are lovable, and the overall idea has a lot of potential. Regardless, I don’t think I’m coming back for book 2.

Quotes:

N/A

TW: Violence, Vomit.

Chasing the Prophecy by Brandon Mull

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adventurous emotional funny sad tense medium-paced

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

3.5

Read: May 19, 2023
Title: Chasing the Prophacy
Series: Beyonders #3
Author: Brandon Mull
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Rating: 3.5/5
Review:

Likes: It was witty and moving, the death scene definitely had my eyes watering, the storyline was a bit unpredictable in places, the world building was wonderful, and the narration was decent.

Dislikes: Repetitive, too many characters, it felt like a failed attempt at an epic, came off a bit whiny.

Honestly favorite book in the series.

Quotes:

N/A

TW: Death, Gore, Grief, Suicide, Torture, dismemberment, Violence, Vomit.

Seeds of Rebellion by Brandon Mull

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adventurous funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Read: May 16, 2023
Title: Seeds of Rebellion
Series: Beyonders #2
Author: Brandon Mull
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Rating: 3/5
Review:

Likes: It was witty and moving, the world building was wonderful, and the narration was decent.

Dislikes: Similar to Mull’s other series, predictable, Slow

Quotes:

“When a government becomes unjust, honor is often found among the lawless.”

TW: Death, Gore, Grief, Suicide, Torture, dismemberment, Violence, Vomit.

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spootilious's reviews 116 reviews

spootilious's reviews
116 reviews