thekuster's reviews
397 reviews

The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.0

Compelling story, incredibly interesting lore and world building... but I didn't start enjoying the story again until about the 300-page mark. That angsty teenage romance is really not my jam and I'm glad it's settled (hopefully?) The myths, religions and history of this world are top-notch however, so I'm really looking forward to finishing this trilogy!

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous inspiring medium-paced

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

4.25

As my second Sanderson novel, I decided to try out a series instead of a standalone. Immediately engrossing and loads of fun! The heist-like setup for a political revolution was great and the characters, skills and magic system were all distinctive and memorable. 

Still have a few complaints however; was it just me or were the evil too evil? Seemed a bit heavy handed. Even after the conclusion, I still couldn’t understand why the ska were subjugated. Another annoyance to me was the romance - instant and too infantile in its progression. (I also couldn’t help seeing Sanderson writing himself into the unruly, scholarly nobleman for some reason.) Vin, the only female character despite having an interesting story, was very cliched/stereotyped. 

I plan to continue this series, though it does have a solid conclusion and could be a standalone should I lose interest.

Elantris by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous hopeful 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? It's complicated

4.25

A good introduction to Brandon Sanderson’s fantasy writing. Easy reading with an interesting magic system, likeable characters and a romance that was light and playful. 

The central mystery was simple and once certain facts were revealed, it became obvious where it was leading but didn’t detract from the action-packed fun of the ending. 

I’m excited to know that there will be more to read in this overall magic system and Dor! 

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

adventurous lighthearted 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? No

4.5

So cozy, such an easy and enjoyable read. The tagline of “high fantasy, low stakes” is 100% accurate. We need more similarly cozy fantasy reads for when you need a fantasy fix, but don’t have the brainpower to handle complex magic systems or intense political maneuverings!

Side note, I need more details on that single chess-player!

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

4.5

My first Agatha Christie novel and despite a false start (as I could not remember the characters, so had to actually write them down with notes) - it was fantastic! The characters were interesting and the slow deliberate reveal of each of their backstories was so well-designed. I'm also happy to say, I could not predict that ending! 

I see more Agatha Christie novels in my future... 

Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny informative reflective sad medium-paced

4.75

This was devastating, emotional, funny, beautiful and educational. Having only read Hark! A Vagrant prior to this, I went in with no solid expectations. I picked it up one evening, thinking I would flip through a few pages before going to bed - but ended up staying up well past midnight, finishing it entirely. When I finally read the author's note at the end, I sat heartbroken - still trying to digest it all. Perhaps, I still am.

Despite all the terrible things this memoir depicts, Kate Beaton humanizes everyone. Every perspective gets its fair share of nuance. My only complaint would be that at points, the transitions were jarring - not in the traumatic incidents where that may have been intended, but the small vignettes of daily life.

This is a difficult, harrowing memoir - but one I highly recommend. 

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

funny informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

Really interesting history and insight into our society's need for productivity and efficient time-management. I unfortunately cannot remember the first half as I signed this audiobook out from the library and had to wait a few months to complete it after my original loan lapsed. I do however remember really enjoying it then too, if that counts!

Half star off mainly for the self-help-y bits which always annoy me, but I'm sure other readers would enjoy/expect. 

Lost in the Moment and Found by Seanan McGuire

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

Another great installment of the Wayward Children series - easily one of my favourites (along with Lundy's and Jack & Jill's tales). The trigger warnings were addressed with great care at the beginning with a note from Seanan McGuire and very much appreciated. Antsy's tale is one of immense loss and the fantasy element is escapism but also does so with such gentleness and respect for the gravity of her situation.

As for the further expansion of the world, we get to understand more of the history and existence of the doors. And as always, it brings full circle back to Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children, where I'm sure more answers are waiting for us. 

Separate personal note - this was the only book that could pull me out of a complete lack of reading (100% slump) that started with 2023... 

Lumberjanes, Vol. 7: A Bird's-Eye View by Kat Leyh, Shannon Watters

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.0

I’d almost forgotten how heartwarming and fun this series is! Magical kittens make it even better!

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

emotional hopeful lighthearted 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

4.25

Witchy magic, found family, grouchy but kind-hearted love interest… that is literally the formula for a cozy, enjoyable read. That’s not to say it didn’t touch on more difficult or sensitive subject matters, but it did so with a gentle hand.