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storiesandshiraz's reviews
286 reviews
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
emotional
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? N/A
3.0
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Awesome premise, interesting characters, but the plot just felt like it was missing certain specifics. Not necessarily plot holes but just missing detail?
A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon
adventurous
dark
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Breaker of Fate by R.M. Derrick
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
R.M Derrick was kind enough to provide me an ARC of Breaker of Fate, and I am so glad that she did.
I will try and make this as spoiler free as possible!
Breaker of Fate Is an adult fantasy that follows the idea of fated mates. The world building and lore of this world is simple, but cleverly done, allowing the author to weave (heh, pun intended) a beautiful back story and introduction to the ongoing plot of the series.
I really enjoyed the characters, although I am hoping that Nyle's characterisation grows more in any subsequent stories. The MFC is warm-hearted and kind, whilst still holding her own, but does not take the traditional Badass MFC pathway like so many other fantasy novels. It was a pleasant change to read a story where the MFC is so fundamental to the story and plays a critical role, whilst still remaining soft and loving, both in personality and their power. It was also such a beautiful change to have a MFC who is clearly described as plus size with no beating around the bush - there is no room for interpretation here, Derica is a big girl, and I love seeing myself represented in fantasy literature.
I am hoping that as the story progresses, we delve more into the back story of the Warrior and the Weaver-Blessed, examining past lives, and learn more about the lore. I also cannot wait to learn more about Maz, who was an absolute delight of a character - as if Peeves the Poltergeist, Jack Sparrow, and Crowley had a baby from the weirdest throuple ever.
Such a great beginning to what should prove to be a beautiful story.
I will try and make this as spoiler free as possible!
Breaker of Fate Is an adult fantasy that follows the idea of fated mates. The world building and lore of this world is simple, but cleverly done, allowing the author to weave (heh, pun intended) a beautiful back story and introduction to the ongoing plot of the series.
I really enjoyed the characters, although I am hoping that Nyle's characterisation grows more in any subsequent stories. The MFC is warm-hearted and kind, whilst still holding her own, but does not take the traditional Badass MFC pathway like so many other fantasy novels. It was a pleasant change to read a story where the MFC is so fundamental to the story and plays a critical role, whilst still remaining soft and loving, both in personality and their power. It was also such a beautiful change to have a MFC who is clearly described as plus size with no beating around the bush - there is no room for interpretation here, Derica is a big girl, and I love seeing myself represented in fantasy literature.
I am hoping that as the story progresses, we delve more into the back story of the Warrior and the Weaver-Blessed, examining past lives, and learn more about the lore. I also cannot wait to learn more about Maz, who was an absolute delight of a character - as if Peeves the Poltergeist, Jack Sparrow, and Crowley had a baby from the weirdest throuple ever.
Such a great beginning to what should prove to be a beautiful story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0