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stewardofbooks's reviews
197 reviews
The Stranger in the Library by Eva Gates
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
The art world is notoriously full of drama, and when a couple of interesting characters gather at an art show in a small town there is no shortage of drama. Local librarian, Lucy is thrust into the middle of it all when she discovers a body.
I enjoyed 'Stranger in the Library'. It has all the classic elements of a cozy small town murder mystery. The story started off a little slowly but once the action started the pace picked up. I really enjoyed the snippets of art history and thought it was well researched and the fictional art and artists were done very realistically. I also liked the fact that I wasn't able to guess the murderer and enjoyed the surprise ending.
I enjoyed 'Stranger in the Library'. It has all the classic elements of a cozy small town murder mystery. The story started off a little slowly but once the action started the pace picked up. I really enjoyed the snippets of art history and thought it was well researched and the fictional art and artists were done very realistically. I also liked the fact that I wasn't able to guess the murderer and enjoyed the surprise ending.
Queen of Shifting Sands by Kaitlyn Carter Brown
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
Lystra has trained all her life to be queen but when the young king she is betrothed to dies and war threatens, her world is shattered and she faces a series of difficult choices. What will be best for her beloved kingdom?
This is easily one of the most heartfelt fantasies I have read in a long time. The worldbuilding is fantastic, rich and immersive. You can see and hear and smell and taste Instanolde on every page.
The story is thrilling and full of unexpected surprises. Lystra, Elerek and all the other characters are complex, full of very human flaws but also growing and changing and maturing as the story continues. I love the politics, the family relationships, the friendship and the romance. And of course the cardants and the desert!
Queen of Shifting Sands has definitely earned a place on my list of favourite books.
This is easily one of the most heartfelt fantasies I have read in a long time. The worldbuilding is fantastic, rich and immersive. You can see and hear and smell and taste Instanolde on every page.
The story is thrilling and full of unexpected surprises. Lystra, Elerek and all the other characters are complex, full of very human flaws but also growing and changing and maturing as the story continues. I love the politics, the family relationships, the friendship and the romance. And of course the cardants and the desert!
Queen of Shifting Sands has definitely earned a place on my list of favourite books.
Moon Soul by Nathaniel Luscombe
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
5.0
Somewhere out in the universe on a purple moon a girl needs to make a change. A big change. And her life will never be the same again.
I have never read a book branded as 'cozy sci-fi' before and I was pleasantly surprised. Argysi, with its purple desert and hanging tower gardens captured my imagination completely. I love the world, I love the coziness and most of all I love the raw emotional realness of this story.
Perhaps this story resonates so deeply because I find myself in a situation similar to August's but I think it's something more. In a busy world where burn out is a very real thing, this story challenges us to ask those hard questions about why we do what we do and why we do things the way we do them. It asks if there can be something more. And (for August but I think for many others too) the answer is a powerful yes. Yes it may be hard and terrifying but yes, it is possible to make those big changes. Sometimes it is very necessary to make them. And we may very well be better, healthier people afterwards.
So if you're looking for something warm and cozy and full of hope and encouragement with a purple moon and memory-holding sand and hanging gardens, this book is for you.
I have never read a book branded as 'cozy sci-fi' before and I was pleasantly surprised. Argysi, with its purple desert and hanging tower gardens captured my imagination completely. I love the world, I love the coziness and most of all I love the raw emotional realness of this story.
Perhaps this story resonates so deeply because I find myself in a situation similar to August's but I think it's something more. In a busy world where burn out is a very real thing, this story challenges us to ask those hard questions about why we do what we do and why we do things the way we do them. It asks if there can be something more. And (for August but I think for many others too) the answer is a powerful yes. Yes it may be hard and terrifying but yes, it is possible to make those big changes. Sometimes it is very necessary to make them. And we may very well be better, healthier people afterwards.
So if you're looking for something warm and cozy and full of hope and encouragement with a purple moon and memory-holding sand and hanging gardens, this book is for you.
The Frost Gate: A Retelling of Snow White by Hanna Sandvig
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I loved diving back into Faerie, this time visiting the Unseelie Kingdom. Neve/Niamh is probably my favourite version of Snow White ever! She bakes, has chickens, can handle a sword and wears gorgeous vintage dresses for every occasion. What's not to love?
I also really enjoyed seeing characters from previous books living out their 'happily ever afters'. As always, Hanna Sandvig's world is full of magic and whimsy and yummy snacks that leave you with all the happy, fluffy feels and a smile on your face.
I also really enjoyed seeing characters from previous books living out their 'happily ever afters'. As always, Hanna Sandvig's world is full of magic and whimsy and yummy snacks that leave you with all the happy, fluffy feels and a smile on your face.
The Glass Gate: A Retelling of Cinderella by Hanna Sandvig
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
This is such a delightful story! Ella goes to a party in Tír na nÓg (Faerie) with a friend and her life is never the same again. Swept into a world of balls and beautiful gowns, a pet dragon and Prince Charming, Ella has to guard her heart carefully. Will she ever be able to go home when her time runs out?
I absolutely adore this Faerie world with all the different creatures and magic and whimsy. It has all the things I love best about fairy tales:
1) coziness!!
2) magic and cute magical creatures
3) sweet romance without all the spice
4) a world that draws you in and makes you want to live there!
I absolutely adore this Faerie world with all the different creatures and magic and whimsy. It has all the things I love best about fairy tales:
1) coziness!!
2) magic and cute magical creatures
3) sweet romance without all the spice
4) a world that draws you in and makes you want to live there!