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stewardofbooks's reviews
197 reviews
Chaos Forged a Fable by Kate Craft
4.0
(slight spoiler alert)
When Maya is thrust into another world in search of her mother and brother, she has no idea of the adventures awaiting her. She also has no idea about the truth of who she really is. As she embarks on a quest that becomes increasingly complex as time passes, she realizes that there is a lot more at stake than just the lives of her mother and brother. Maya is not just born of this strange new realm, she is also destined for a specific purpose in it.
I loved this book! The worldbuilding is amazing and unique. It was so refreshing to dive into a new fantasy that is not part of the Fae realm (don't get me wrong, I love the Fae as much as anyone else but there are so many books about them nowadays). Avalon is a fantastic world, intricately linked to our own but so so different, filled with strange creatures, humans and the Outlanders (or gypsul as they call themselves). I especially enjoyed the elemental magic system and the Finkles.
I fell in love with almost all the characters, even the less 'nice' ones and the twisty betrayal at the end just about broke my heart. They were all well written, with their distinct personalities, quirks, hopes, fears and agendas. I do wish the romance between Maya and Thelic was built up a little slower and less physically but that being said, I like them together so much. I can only hope they last.
I definitely am going to be reading the next books and I'm only sad that I started reading the series before all the books are published.
When Maya is thrust into another world in search of her mother and brother, she has no idea of the adventures awaiting her. She also has no idea about the truth of who she really is. As she embarks on a quest that becomes increasingly complex as time passes, she realizes that there is a lot more at stake than just the lives of her mother and brother. Maya is not just born of this strange new realm, she is also destined for a specific purpose in it.
I loved this book! The worldbuilding is amazing and unique. It was so refreshing to dive into a new fantasy that is not part of the Fae realm (don't get me wrong, I love the Fae as much as anyone else but there are so many books about them nowadays). Avalon is a fantastic world, intricately linked to our own but so so different, filled with strange creatures, humans and the Outlanders (or gypsul as they call themselves). I especially enjoyed the elemental magic system and the Finkles.
I fell in love with almost all the characters, even the less 'nice' ones and the twisty betrayal at the end just about broke my heart. They were all well written, with their distinct personalities, quirks, hopes, fears and agendas. I do wish the romance between Maya and Thelic was built up a little slower and less physically but that being said, I like them together so much. I can only hope they last.
I definitely am going to be reading the next books and I'm only sad that I started reading the series before all the books are published.
Group Six and the River: Of Water and Brimstone by Ron Richard
3.0
A group of quirky but lovable characters set off on a mysterious quest after being recruited by an equally mysterious man known only as 'Leader'. Each of them has a wish, something that they hope to gain from the powerful magician they are looking for. But who is 'Leader' and more importantly, what does he want? Can the group really trust him?
This story was lighthearted and funny but at the same time intriguing. I enjoyed the characters and their world but the story does jump around a lot in time and it gets a little hard to keep track of what is happening to who and when. I liked the fact that the author was one of the narrators, it makes the experience a lot more personal. I was a little uncomfortable with some of the book's spiritual elements but that is a very personal thing and will probably not bother other readers.
I listened to this book as an ARC on NetGalley
This story was lighthearted and funny but at the same time intriguing. I enjoyed the characters and their world but the story does jump around a lot in time and it gets a little hard to keep track of what is happening to who and when. I liked the fact that the author was one of the narrators, it makes the experience a lot more personal. I was a little uncomfortable with some of the book's spiritual elements but that is a very personal thing and will probably not bother other readers.
I listened to this book as an ARC on NetGalley
The Last Saxon King by Andrew Varga
5.0
Dan Renfrew has a boring life. Nothing ever happens. Until the day he gets home and is thrown back in time to Anglo-Saxon England. Dan has to 'fix' history. Someone is out to change the true course of events and he has to stop them before it is too late. He meets a fellow time-jumper and the two soon become firm friends as they race to stop history from being rewritten.
Mild spoiler alert. I loved this action packed story. The historical events and time-period were researched really well. The characters and their friendships were also well written. Dan and Sam stole my heart. The author did a wonderful job of making Dan's first trip back in time real (well as real as time travel can get). The emotions he feels, his reactions to facing battle, his confusion and the way he befriends the king's housecarls all make for a very authentic experience. I enjoyed his growth as well.: the way he learns to think about people, about death and life and his role in all of it and his relationship with his father, complicated but full of love and finally also understanding. The last battle was done so beautifully, in that moment he realizes the cost of 'fixing' history, I almost cried.
As far as historical YA fiction goes, this is a brilliant book. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
Mild spoiler alert. I loved this action packed story. The historical events and time-period were researched really well. The characters and their friendships were also well written. Dan and Sam stole my heart. The author did a wonderful job of making Dan's first trip back in time real (well as real as time travel can get). The emotions he feels, his reactions to facing battle, his confusion and the way he befriends the king's housecarls all make for a very authentic experience. I enjoyed his growth as well.: the way he learns to think about people, about death and life and his role in all of it and his relationship with his father, complicated but full of love and finally also understanding. The last battle was done so beautifully, in that moment he realizes the cost of 'fixing' history, I almost cried.
As far as historical YA fiction goes, this is a brilliant book. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
Blood Ties by L. Waithman
5.0
Lucas is different. When he starts training with an order of warrior monks this difference only becomes more marked. As Lucas embarks on his quest to join the King's army, it soon becomes clear that he is more than just different. There is something special about him and his abilities and there are many who notice. Some try to guide and protect him but others want Lucas out of the way. Can he be the one prophecy speaks of?
'Blood Ties' is a beautiful coming of age adventure. As Lucas grows older, he grows so much in character and maturity, learning to accept who he is and to make peace with his past. The worldbuilding is fun and gives a lot of the medieval era feelings. While this might not be to everyone's taste, I really enjoyed the slow reveal in terms of all the hints about who Lucas really is (even though the full reveal will probably only come later!). The political intrigues and court etiquette were very detailed and intricate (which I loved) in a way that really adds to the story. Lucas' adventures have something for everyone; fun, adventure, action but also depth and growth and a lot of emotion. I can't wait for the rest!
'Blood Ties' is a beautiful coming of age adventure. As Lucas grows older, he grows so much in character and maturity, learning to accept who he is and to make peace with his past. The worldbuilding is fun and gives a lot of the medieval era feelings. While this might not be to everyone's taste, I really enjoyed the slow reveal in terms of all the hints about who Lucas really is (even though the full reveal will probably only come later!). The political intrigues and court etiquette were very detailed and intricate (which I loved) in a way that really adds to the story. Lucas' adventures have something for everyone; fun, adventure, action but also depth and growth and a lot of emotion. I can't wait for the rest!
Dolphin Song by Lauren St. John
4.0
Fun, whimsical and even a little emotional. I loved being swept away to sea with Martine and her classmates. I loved the animals and the authentically African setting.
Windsong by Stephanie E. Donohue
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-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
4.0
Desperate to save her sick mother, Roxana makes a deal with a talking polar bear - she'll live with him for a year and he will heal her mother. Unsure if she's crazy or dreaming, Roxana embarks on a journey that will change her life. She soon realises that there is more to her bear than she initially thought but everywhere she turns there are secrets.
I loved this unexpected take on an old story. Roxana is not your usual princess type and I loved her so much! There are a few very dark scenes in terms of violence that I did not enjoy very much but all in all, the story, the characters and the world were lovely and exciting and really well written.
I loved this unexpected take on an old story. Roxana is not your usual princess type and I loved her so much! There are a few very dark scenes in terms of violence that I did not enjoy very much but all in all, the story, the characters and the world were lovely and exciting and really well written.
The Head, the Heart, and the Heir by Alice Hanov
4.0
Alex, or rather, Princess Elizabeth Alexandria of Warren, is no ordinary princess. She is also a warrior and a powerful sorceress. Having spent most of her life in hiding, she returns to palace life and has to learn a lot. Suitors must be managed, etiquette learned, names memorised and above all her power must be mastered. Alex soon realises that even back in the arms of her loving friends and family, there are secrets. Powerful secrets with dangerous consequences. Secrets that revolve around her.
This book did not go in the direction I was expecting! Wow! I am still in shock after that ending...
Alice Hanov has managed to capture all the well-loved and familiar aspects of a YA fantasy (you know - the feisty female lead, the love triangle, the magic, the political intrigue) and she has made it all new. I was in no way prepared for all the twists and I love that! The story is beautifully crafted and characters are really amazing. They show real growth, something that is hard to create authentically, and they are real people with both good and bad. But what really made this book stand out to me, is the worldbuilding. All the details surrounding the different kingdoms, noble houses, sorcerer lines and even the detail around the physical places are so real and well-thought out. I feel like I could go to Torian and know how everything looks and who belongs where.
There is only reason that I didn't add a fifth star. I am awkward about physical romance scenes and I felt that one or two of them were a little unnecessary but that is just personal preference.
I am excited for the rest of the series!
This book did not go in the direction I was expecting! Wow! I am still in shock after that ending...
Alice Hanov has managed to capture all the well-loved and familiar aspects of a YA fantasy (you know - the feisty female lead, the love triangle, the magic, the political intrigue) and she has made it all new. I was in no way prepared for all the twists and I love that! The story is beautifully crafted and characters are really amazing. They show real growth, something that is hard to create authentically, and they are real people with both good and bad. But what really made this book stand out to me, is the worldbuilding. All the details surrounding the different kingdoms, noble houses, sorcerer lines and even the detail around the physical places are so real and well-thought out. I feel like I could go to Torian and know how everything looks and who belongs where.
There is only reason that I didn't add a fifth star. I am awkward about physical romance scenes and I felt that one or two of them were a little unnecessary but that is just personal preference.
I am excited for the rest of the series!