taylors_escapism's reviews
203 reviews

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

adventurous dark hopeful mysterious reflective sad slow-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

4.25

Minor Detail by Adania Shibli

challenging dark informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Nightbane by Alex Aster

adventurous emotional mysterious tense 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

4.25

Alone with You in the Ether by Olivie Blake

emotional informative reflective medium-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

Masters of Death by Olivie Blake

adventurous dark funny mysterious reflective 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

Sacred Hospitality by Olivie Blake

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-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? Yes

4.0

Neferura by Malayna Evans

adventurous dark emotional informative mysterious sad 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? Yes

4.5

One of the most interesting books I’ve read this year! I really enjoyed getting to explore what it was like to live as not only a woman in Egypt in the Eighteenth Dynasty, but also what it was like to be a female priest. So many tab worth quotes throughout this book. I enjoyed the book emphasis on womanhood and the messaging of being proactive in making changes you feel need to be made within your community/country. The only issue that I had with the book was the pacing and the ending. The epilogue was a bit confusing for me at first and felt very rushed. It was such an abrupt transition from the previous chapter. I would’ve liked a smoother transition. I also felt that the first part of the book was really slow; however, the second and third part of the book was very interesting. Regardless, the book was very interesting and provides readers with an understanding of the importance of womanhood and making the change you want to see. Highly, recommend for those who enjoy feminist themes, Egyptology, and court politics with a drop of romance (and I mean drop). 

Thank you, Sourcebooks landmark, for sending me an arc of this phenomenal book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Net Galley, for giving me the opportunity to read and review books. Lastly, thank you, Malayna Evans, for writing a beautiful and meaningful work of fiction.

Vengeance of The Pirate Queen by Tricia Levenseller

adventurous dark inspiring mysterious sad tense 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

5.0

The opening scene for this book was incredibly interesting and helped get me back into the world of The Daughter of the Pirate King books. I was so excited that this story focused on Sorinda from the other two books! Her character was my favorite from the original books. As always, Tricia Levenseller always presents various themes/messages throughout her books, which is why I always enjoy reading her books. This one in particular focuses on trauma, mental health, vulnerability, self-possession, and women’s empowerment. I really enjoyed the story; however, I found myself struggling near the middle of the book, but it was definitely worth not giving up on the story. I’m interested to see if the author will decide to write any more books based on characters from this book. I’d be interested to read one about Roslyn or a dual POV of Niridia and Mandsy storyline mentioned in the book. Also, this was a perfect little read for the winter in my opinion! Highly Recommend! 

Thank you Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, for sending me an arc of this phenomenal book in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you Net Galley, for fiving me the opportunity to read and review books. Lastly, thank you Tricia Levenseller for writing a beautiful and meaningful work of fiction.

The Six Deaths of the Saint by Alix E. Harrow

adventurous dark mysterious reflective sad fast-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? Yes

5.0

Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler

dark inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense 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

5.0