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the_library_of_mary's reviews
130 reviews
Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
I picked this book up because of the title alone. I love theatre and I love DND, so obviously this sounded fun to me. This book is a cute high school romcom with no spice and I really enjoyed it. It was a fun and easy read for when I just wanted to relax. The plot is simple, but not in a bad way! It was an enjoyable book with just the amount of plot points to still make it engaging.
Opposites Attract and Fake Dating. I have such a weakness for these tropes. Riley and Nathan are just cute together, that's really all there is to say. The pacing was fast, but was done well and it fit the story to go a little faster.
The cast of characters were so charming. The group of DND nerds and theatre kids made me smile because I literally see myself there when I was in high school.
Opposites Attract and Fake Dating. I have such a weakness for these tropes. Riley and Nathan are just cute together, that's really all there is to say. The pacing was fast, but was done well and it fit the story to go a little faster.
The cast of characters were so charming. The group of DND nerds and theatre kids made me smile because I literally see myself there when I was in high school.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
What a great start to a series! I have been meaning to read this series for a while now, and I'm so glad I bit the bullet with it. Tahir has such a 'storytelling" vibe, I don't know quite how else to describe it. She is able to capture the characters in a descriptive way, and even though I was reading this book I almost felt like I was watching it.
Our two narrators, Elias and Laia, give a great perspective into this world as we start our story here. An enslaved person and a martial, two polar opposites in this society and we get to see the realities of both worlds throughout the story.
I really like the way bonds and relationships are displayed. The relationship between Elias and Helene was a favorite of mine, having this person that is so much a part of you and trying to navigate that relationship as it develops and changes.
Laia as she finds herself and her strength felt natural, lots of ups and downs which I think gave her character a lot of depth. She felt honest and her decisions and actions fit her. This is where the "storytelling" aspect comes back for me because her scenes felt like it was a story based on her decisions, not that the plot points were already decided and she was just going through the scenes.
The Commandment, woof. What a great villain.
I knew this was a fantasy, but I guess I didn't really think about like magic and fantasy creatures being in the story. It makes sense that they are and I love it. I'm so excited to delve into this worlds mythology and see what's going on. Lots of hints given in this book with a lot of open ends.
I can't wait to start the second book!
I really thought Elias was going to die at the end of this book. I'm happy he didn't cause I think this character is being built up in a really great way, but what a shocking ending that would have been!
I am so invested in Helene. I think she is such a morally ambiguous character and I love that about her. Seeing where her loyalties and her boundaries are kind of move around but also somehow stay true to herself? ( that doesn't make any sense I know). What I mean is, I think she a flawed character in a really honest way that I love to see especially in a female character.
Keenan and Laia, I was rooting for them but as soon as that scene with Elias happened. It was over. I hope he doesn't turn out to be a bad guy, because I still really like him!
Izzi and Cook better be alright or I'm gonna riot!
Our two narrators, Elias and Laia, give a great perspective into this world as we start our story here. An enslaved person and a martial, two polar opposites in this society and we get to see the realities of both worlds throughout the story.
I really like the way bonds and relationships are displayed. The relationship between Elias and Helene was a favorite of mine, having this person that is so much a part of you and trying to navigate that relationship as it develops and changes.
Laia as she finds herself and her strength felt natural, lots of ups and downs which I think gave her character a lot of depth. She felt honest and her decisions and actions fit her. This is where the "storytelling" aspect comes back for me because her scenes felt like it was a story based on her decisions, not that the plot points were already decided and she was just going through the scenes.
The Commandment, woof. What a great villain.
I knew this was a fantasy, but I guess I didn't really think about like magic and fantasy creatures being in the story. It makes sense that they are and I love it. I'm so excited to delve into this worlds mythology and see what's going on. Lots of hints given in this book with a lot of open ends.
I can't wait to start the second book!
I really thought Elias was going to die at the end of this book. I'm happy he didn't cause I think this character is being built up in a really great way, but what a shocking ending that would have been!
I am so invested in Helene. I think she is such a morally ambiguous character and I love that about her. Seeing where her loyalties and her boundaries are kind of move around but also somehow stay true to herself? ( that doesn't make any sense I know). What I mean is, I think she a flawed character in a really honest way that I love to see especially in a female character.
Keenan and Laia, I was rooting for them but as soon as that scene with Elias happened. It was over. I hope he doesn't turn out to be a bad guy, because I still really like him!
Izzi and Cook better be alright or I'm gonna riot!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, Xenophobia, Murder
Moderate: Rape, Kidnapping, War
To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
Did not finish book. Stopped at 42%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 42%.
I REALLY wanted to like this book and I may pick it up at a different time. This has the makings of a great fantasy for me. It is set in an academia setting and has an indigenous main character who brings an indigenous mythology into this fantasy sett, which I LOVE. In the first couple chapters we hear the stories surrounding dragons by our main character and I was so invested in the world and the stories.
The problem I was having was that it got way to dense. I love a book with details and world building, it is truly one of my favorite parts of fantasy stories. But this book took some scenes to an extreme. There are scenes where we are sitting in entire lectures learning about the sciences of the world and other classes. But that is all they are, there is not plot movement caused by these lectures. I made it 7 hours in and I feel like since she had gotten to the school, nothing has happened. And because we were getting so much "trivial " seeming information, it felt......boring.
I think the setting is interesting and this book talks a lot about eugenics and racism, as Anequs navigated a very Anglo society. That part of it I didn't mind, it made me uncomfortable at times ( as a white person), but I think that is entirely the point. In that regard I think this book does a great job at REALLY hammering down the racism present in this society.
If this book sounds up your alley, you should definitely give it a try! I have seen so many people enjoy this story, so maybe I just wasn't in the right head space for it.
The problem I was having was that it got way to dense. I love a book with details and world building, it is truly one of my favorite parts of fantasy stories. But this book took some scenes to an extreme. There are scenes where we are sitting in entire lectures learning about the sciences of the world and other classes. But that is all they are, there is not plot movement caused by these lectures. I made it 7 hours in and I feel like since she had gotten to the school, nothing has happened. And because we were getting so much "trivial " seeming information, it felt......boring.
I think the setting is interesting and this book talks a lot about eugenics and racism, as Anequs navigated a very Anglo society. That part of it I didn't mind, it made me uncomfortable at times ( as a white person), but I think that is entirely the point. In that regard I think this book does a great job at REALLY hammering down the racism present in this society.
If this book sounds up your alley, you should definitely give it a try! I have seen so many people enjoy this story, so maybe I just wasn't in the right head space for it.
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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
As my second read of this year, I am very content. I had seen this books circulating online and wanted to give it a try. I'm very happy I did, though not because the story is a "happy" one. I did not know a ton going into the story and didn't really re-read the blurb when my library loan came through, and I'm glad I did.
Sciona, our FMC, starts the story being very " i'm not like other girls" in an academic magical setting. The society is DEEPLY misogynistic and she is constantly being talked down to and restricted. You start the story rooting for her, even though she is incredibly self-centered and borderline narcistic because you want her to prove all these men wrong. As she proves herself and begins interacting with Thomil, her world views are challenged. She them becomes insufferable( but in a good way as a reader) as she is forced to really look at her racist society and her own racist beliefs. She reminds me of the specific "white feminist" viewpoint where you are focused on your own well being and rights, but not those around you.
There is some romance, but eh, I really wouldn't consider that a focal point of the story. I thought that Thomil and Sciona's relationship was interesting regardless of the romance. This book has characters constantly challenging each other, and thats what I enjoyed about their scenes.
If you enjoy dark academia, interesting magic systems, and challenging ideals, here you go.
I'm happy that Sciona died in the end, not because I necessarily wanted her to die, but because the end of the book has her character transforming into someone that tries to be selfless. If she had been miraculously saved in the end, I think it would have taken away from her promises and words to Thomil.
Sciona, our FMC, starts the story being very " i'm not like other girls" in an academic magical setting. The society is DEEPLY misogynistic and she is constantly being talked down to and restricted. You start the story rooting for her, even though she is incredibly self-centered and borderline narcistic because you want her to prove all these men wrong. As she proves herself and begins interacting with Thomil, her world views are challenged. She them becomes insufferable( but in a good way as a reader) as she is forced to really look at her racist society and her own racist beliefs. She reminds me of the specific "white feminist" viewpoint where you are focused on your own well being and rights, but not those around you.
There is some romance, but eh, I really wouldn't consider that a focal point of the story. I thought that Thomil and Sciona's relationship was interesting regardless of the romance. This book has characters constantly challenging each other, and thats what I enjoyed about their scenes.
If you enjoy dark academia, interesting magic systems, and challenging ideals, here you go.
I'm happy that Sciona died in the end, not because I necessarily wanted her to die, but because the end of the book has her character transforming into someone that tries to be selfless. If she had been miraculously saved in the end, I think it would have taken away from her promises and words to Thomil.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Sexual harassment, Classism
The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Let's start off by saying that I wanted to listen to this series because I heard it was a prequel to the Dance of Thieves duology, which I have heard great things about and want to read. I figured it would be good to have a feel for the world before jumping in, in case I was missing a lot of context for the duology.
This book is not one that I would have picked up on my own, but it's also not something I would not read (obviously), so I gave it a try. I felt neutral going in and I feel neutral coming out. It wasn't bad, but it didn't enthrall me either.
Lia is charming in a " Mary Sue" kind of way and the immediate love triangle set up between her, Rafe, and Kaden. Now I am always conflicted on love triangles because I always seem to root for the wrong one but this felt very obvious in my opinion. Although tension was there, it didn't feel...........real. I don't know how else to explain it.
I also found myself DISPISING Kaden, which I think is the point. So at least in that regard I didn't feel neutral about something. I don't think it was hatred due to poor writing, just the character itself annoyed me. It was very, ": I have a crush on you, so eventually you are gonna like me back, right?" while he continuously did things that hurt her.
This book gives me the vibe of something written a little "young" for me, but it also tackles very dark and somewhat graphic moments, which was a little jarring. I also don't know if it was because I was listening to the audiobook while working, but I think I need to relook at story sections to get the bigger setup that is happening. I understand the reveal, but I feel like there is more I am missing.
Overall, I wouldn't not recommend this book but I don't feel strongly about reading it either. I will probably listen to the second book a little later so that I can continue to work my way to the duology.
This book is not one that I would have picked up on my own, but it's also not something I would not read (obviously), so I gave it a try. I felt neutral going in and I feel neutral coming out. It wasn't bad, but it didn't enthrall me either.
Lia is charming in a " Mary Sue" kind of way and the immediate love triangle set up between her, Rafe, and Kaden. Now I am always conflicted on love triangles because I always seem to root for the wrong one but this felt very obvious in my opinion. Although tension was there, it didn't feel...........real. I don't know how else to explain it.
This book gives me the vibe of something written a little "young" for me, but it also tackles very dark and somewhat graphic moments, which was a little jarring. I also don't know if it was because I was listening to the audiobook while working, but I think I need to relook at story sections to get the bigger setup that is happening. I understand the reveal, but I feel like there is more I am missing.
Overall, I wouldn't not recommend this book but I don't feel strongly about reading it either. I will probably listen to the second book a little later so that I can continue to work my way to the duology.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, War
Moderate: Rape, Sexual harassment
The Lotus Empire by Tasha Suri
adventurous
emotional
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
5.0
What an end to an amazing trilogy. I loved this series and who highly recommend it for anyone looking for a desi-inspired and queer high fantasy. The anger and yearning, the morally gray moments, the tense and dangerous political scene. It truly has everything that I personally look for in a series.
Priya, Malini, and Bhumika are such complicated and fleshed out female characters and felt so honest and realistic. All the characters are written well, but these three especially have such a special place in my heart. Over the course of this trilogy they have been such interesting and amazing characters.
While the second book felt like a bit of set up for me, this book had a teeny bit of set up in the beginning and then we were moving! These characters were racing against the clock and trying to save their peoples. The pacing was excellent and the multiple POV's were used incredibly successfully and gave a lot of information in digestable chunks.
The romance, the yearning, UGH. Malini and Priya are the definition of yearning, and also are the perfect " I hate you, but still love you, and I hate you for that" ( if that makes sense). Obviously we start the story after Malini has been stabbed and that anger and love warring inside her had me obsessed.
The ending felt intentional, all the characters had appropriate endings in my opinion, nothing came out of nowhere. I love this book and will be recommending this series to everyone.
Priya, Malini, and Bhumika are such complicated and fleshed out female characters and felt so honest and realistic. All the characters are written well, but these three especially have such a special place in my heart. Over the course of this trilogy they have been such interesting and amazing characters.
While the second book felt like a bit of set up for me, this book had a teeny bit of set up in the beginning and then we were moving! These characters were racing against the clock and trying to save their peoples. The pacing was excellent and the multiple POV's were used incredibly successfully and gave a lot of information in digestable chunks.
The romance, the yearning, UGH. Malini and Priya are the definition of yearning, and also are the perfect " I hate you, but still love you, and I hate you for that" ( if that makes sense). Obviously we start the story after Malini has been stabbed and that anger and love warring inside her had me obsessed.
The ending felt intentional, all the characters had appropriate endings in my opinion, nothing came out of nowhere. I love this book and will be recommending this series to everyone.
Summoned to the Wilds by A.K. Caggiano
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
What a fun series! I love Ama and Damian's chemistry and the slow burn of it all. I am the type of person that likes slow burn in theory, but then I get to a point where I just want them to kiss already! This book and series as a whole does a great job at pacing and teasing the romance, while still giving enough scraps to not leave me annoyed haha.
This is a fun series to have in the background while I was working on other things, (although some scenes I was fully just listening and blushing). I somehow am always surprised when Damian says something spicy, like oh my god where did that come from.
Similiar to the first book, this book has a great balance of a comedic tone, romantic development, and plot movements so the story is easy to consume but still engaging and there are stakes.
This is a fun series to have in the background while I was working on other things, (although some scenes I was fully just listening and blushing). I somehow am always surprised when Damian says something spicy, like oh my god where did that come from.
Similiar to the first book, this book has a great balance of a comedic tone, romantic development, and plot movements so the story is easy to consume but still engaging and there are stakes.
Arch-Conspirator by Veronica Roth
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is the second Veronica Roth novella that I have picked up and LOVED. This was a random choice from my library, I was looking for something short to help complete my book goals for the year. I'm so glad I grabbed this!
This is a dystopian retelling of Antigone following our cast of characters navigate the story. I have read the original play and new the plot points that would appear, but still found myself eager to see what would happen in this sci fi setting. Something I really enjoy about her novella length books, is how much characterization and detail she is able to get in with so few words. Everything is intentional and I really love that acknowledge how hard that it.
The chapters are told in multiple POV's and I loved the tone of every chapter. It felt connected and fluid transitionally, even when swapping between them. I started this during my lunch break and came home to finish it right away, it was short and satisfying while being retrospective and reflective.
This is a dystopian retelling of Antigone following our cast of characters navigate the story. I have read the original play and new the plot points that would appear, but still found myself eager to see what would happen in this sci fi setting. Something I really enjoy about her novella length books, is how much characterization and detail she is able to get in with so few words. Everything is intentional and I really love that acknowledge how hard that it.
The chapters are told in multiple POV's and I loved the tone of every chapter. It felt connected and fluid transitionally, even when swapping between them. I started this during my lunch break and came home to finish it right away, it was short and satisfying while being retrospective and reflective.
Children of Fallen Gods by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Oh my God, I loved this book more than the first one (which normally doesn't happen for me)! The use of multiple narrators was introduced in the later half of the first book and is also utilized masterfully in this book. I was engaged in all perspectives of this story and how they all came together. The plot twists and reveals are what sealed the deal for me, they were done so well.
I had a feeling that Aefe might be Reshaye in her first couple chapters because I thought it would be an amazing twist, but then was completely thrown off the scent as the book continued. So when the reveal actually happened I was still so surprised, super well done!
The cast of characters are all complex and flawed, and like the first book, they feel like real people. Their strengths also feel like there is a balance and a limit, they don't just keep getting to like magically develop additional things out of the blue to solve problems, which adds to the tension. I really didn't know how the book was going to end, and couldn't stop listening for the last hour.
The bonds and relationships between the characters are a huge part of this book, and how some things change and others stay the same as time goes on. A lot of the relationships between these characters are messy and "grey" which makes it very interesting to read.
I am so excited for the third book and cannot wait to see how this story ends, it really could go in so many ways which makes me all the more excited and interested.
The cast of characters are all complex and flawed, and like the first book, they feel like real people. Their strengths also feel like there is a balance and a limit, they don't just keep getting to like magically develop additional things out of the blue to solve problems, which adds to the tension. I really didn't know how the book was going to end, and couldn't stop listening for the last hour.
The bonds and relationships between the characters are a huge part of this book, and how some things change and others stay the same as time goes on. A lot of the relationships between these characters are messy and "grey" which makes it very interesting to read.
I am so excited for the third book and cannot wait to see how this story ends, it really could go in so many ways which makes me all the more excited and interested.
Draw Down the Moon by Kristin Cast, P.C. Cast
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
I did not realize that this was an "urban fantasy", which isn't necessarily a deal breaker it just wasn't what I was expecting. The book starts immediately mentioning instagram and tiktok, which IDK just seemed off to me. The main characters of this book are both young ( like 18) and the premise is that they are going to magic school when they turn 18. I don't hate a young narrator, but these two read as YOUNG, like annoyingly so. I couldn't stand listening to them. Everything was way to high school and teen-ey for my taste.
It may be someone elses cup of tea, but for me it was a YOUNG adult book and I couldn't stand the characters even after an hour of the audio book.
It may be someone elses cup of tea, but for me it was a YOUNG adult book and I couldn't stand the characters even after an hour of the audio book.