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tinyelfarcanist's Reviews (326)
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
The language, pace, and plot have the feel of a YA novel, but the characters are in their 20s and the story turns darker near the end.
I didn't feel particularly connected to the characters. The romance felt a little bit too insta-love for me after they had just spent an evening together. There's talk about the need for therapy, but I believe it comes a little too late when things have already escalated.
I like Bryn's recurring theme of tearing down big corporations. That and fishnet gloves have made an appearance in both books I've read by the author. (If I had a nickel for every time I've found fishnet gloves in their books, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.)
In this book's world, there's blatant discrimination against vampires and they are treated as sub-human. There are clear parallels between those and real-life marginalized groups like immigrants, queer and disabled people.
There's an extra scene teasing what's to come for book 2, which sounds promising.
I didn't feel particularly connected to the characters. The romance felt a little bit too insta-love for me after they had just spent an evening together. There's talk about the need for therapy, but I believe it comes a little too late when things have already escalated.
I like Bryn's recurring theme of tearing down big corporations. That and fishnet gloves have made an appearance in both books I've read by the author. (If I had a nickel for every time I've found fishnet gloves in their books, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.)
In this book's world, there's blatant discrimination against vampires and they are treated as sub-human. There are clear parallels between those and real-life marginalized groups like immigrants, queer and disabled people.
There's an extra scene teasing what's to come for book 2, which sounds promising.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, Death, Drug use, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Outing
Moderate: Confinement, Cursing, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Homophobia, Stalking
emotional
reflective
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
I had forgotten how different these characters were before everything they went through in the first book. It made me miss them and long for a reread.
We get to know more about characters we had met just in passing, and they’re multifaceted enough to deserve their own books.
Cat Rector understands life, love, and all types of relationships. And she delivers it wrapped in beautiful prose.
I am convinced Cat Rector’s favourite hobby is stomping on her readers’ hearts. Books like this remind me of why I fell in love with indie fantasy.
We get to know more about characters we had met just in passing, and they’re multifaceted enough to deserve their own books.
Cat Rector understands life, love, and all types of relationships. And she delivers it wrapped in beautiful prose.
I am convinced Cat Rector’s favourite hobby is stomping on her readers’ hearts. Books like this remind me of why I fell in love with indie fantasy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Pregnancy, Alcohol
Moderate: Animal death, Cursing, Drug use, Homophobia, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Rape, Sexual violence, Slavery, Vomit, Abandonment
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One of my literary pet peeves is the romanticization of toxic relationships. We see how again and again Yaan discards Kel's concerns, being abusive and controlling of him.
I'm also not a fan of age gaps and power imbalances in romantic relationships. This novella's premise operates on both.
Against his family's counsel, Kel goes to live with Yaan and spends his days trapped in Yaan's quarters, waiting for him to come back and help him unwind from work.
Kel is only appreciated in Yaan's circles for his good looks. I don't believe the depiction of a trans character as a toyboy was a wise decision.
I'm also not a fan of age gaps and power imbalances in romantic relationships. This novella's premise operates on both.
Against his family's counsel, Kel goes to live with Yaan and spends his days trapped in Yaan's quarters, waiting for him to come back and help him unwind from work.
Kel is only appreciated in Yaan's circles for his good looks. I don't believe the depiction of a trans character as a toyboy was a wise decision.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cursing, Eating disorder, Classism
Minor: Sexual content, Alcohol
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
As a fan of thieves in fantasy, I had high expectations about this book. I guess what I enjoy the most about these stories is the balance between a dark atmosphere and funny scenes and dialogue. I was glad to find this book didn't disappoint.
I enjoyed the worldbuilding but I would have loved for things to be explained more deeply. I'd like to know more about the society, the history and the magic system's limitations.
When I was not reading I wanted to go back to Ren's adventure because I cared about him. I was also fond of the supporting characters and there's much to know about them still. I loved getting to know the victims even if it was for a brief time.
Ren is someone you root for, noble but flawed. He's a little slow in putting two and two together when the answer was right in front of him. I enjoyed following Ren as a protagonist and seeing him fluster in front of a sassy girl.
There's not a dull moment in the story: It's funny, it's exciting, and it's got beautiful mentor relationships. The Blood of Crows has a sweet blossoming romance, elemental magic, lots of parkour and an overarching mystery. Call me a fan of Alex C. Pierce.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Bullying, Gore
Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, Drug abuse, Self harm, Sexual harassment
adventurous
dark
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is part of a series of interconnected standalone stories. There's a sense of detachment to the story and its protagonist, and multiple time jumps between more expanded scenes that reminded me of LeGuin's The Wizard of Earthsea.
The beginning was its weakest point, but as the story develops, it keeps getting better. The villain was a compelling character and their machinations are something to look for in future works in the series.
There's a lot packed in fewer than 100 pages. There's action, death, and even hints of romance. I was pleasantly surprised with every turn it took.
The beginning was its weakest point, but as the story develops, it keeps getting better. The villain was a compelling character and their machinations are something to look for in future works in the series.
There's a lot packed in fewer than 100 pages. There's action, death, and even hints of romance. I was pleasantly surprised with every turn it took.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Sexual content
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rubem is running away from people who invaded his home in search of energy-producing parasites. But everyone he meets is more interested in taking advantage of the parasite attached to him than his well-being.
Maraheem is an underwater steampunk city populated by freckled ginger selkies. The class disparity is evident, and Rubem readily empathizes with the lower city's hardships. He finds an unlikely ally in Tavish, who uses his wealth to help the underprivileged.
Bryn built a queernormative and diverse world. Rubem is dark-skinned and gay, never fitting in any place and silencing his grief with alcohol. Tavish is an altruistic selkie princeling who happens to be plump, blind, and trans. From the moment they meet, their interactions are filled with bangxiety.
The alliance between these two men from different standings while fighting for their lives drives them to question the future they want.
An environmentalist tale of loneliness, connection, and love. Get it if you are looking for mental health and queer representation. There's a beautiful poem at the beginning of each chapter.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Blood, Murder, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Body horror, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Colonisation
Minor: Bullying, Torture, Death of parent
adventurous
medium-paced
I'll concede contemporary isn't my first choice when reading fantasy, so take that as you will while reading this review.
What troubled me from the beginning is that it's based on Norse mythology. I won't claim to be an expert, but I'm moderately familiar, and the depiction of these legendary characters was Marvel-esque. Odin is a noble man who sacrifices himself for the greater good. Loki is an evil maniac fixated on power and recognition.
I found the characters 2-dimensional. Modi, our MC, is strong, honourable, and selfless. The women are tools to exalt him or connect him to other men who will help him on his quest.
In the style of a Marvel movie, this story is quick and action-packed. I believe it would have worked better as a generic superhero novel rather than claiming to be Norse-related.
What troubled me from the beginning is that it's based on Norse mythology. I won't claim to be an expert, but I'm moderately familiar, and the depiction of these legendary characters was Marvel-esque. Odin is a noble man who sacrifices himself for the greater good. Loki is an evil maniac fixated on power and recognition.
I found the characters 2-dimensional. Modi, our MC, is strong, honourable, and selfless. The women are tools to exalt him or connect him to other men who will help him on his quest.
In the style of a Marvel movie, this story is quick and action-packed. I believe it would have worked better as a generic superhero novel rather than claiming to be Norse-related.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Violence, Colonisation
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Blood, Grief, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Pedophilia, Sexism, Suicide
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'm not gonna lie, this cover won me over. I love the passion in it and I immediately knew I was gonna love it. Sadly, my expectations weren't met. It took me a while to get into it. I didn't like Zavrius at first, although his attitude was probably due to his rocky relationship with Balen.
I've found that my favourite books usually include some of my favourite characters. They can be a make-or-break for me, and I didn't find these memorable enough. As the author's debut novel, I see the potential for future works.
This is about the romance between a king and his bodyguard. I've never read this trope but I was worried about the power dynamics impacting the relationship. This wasn't a problem as Balen constantly disregarded Zavrius's authority.
All older siblings die mysteriously so Zavrius, 5th in line to the throne, is now king. He was never prepared for it, he didn't even want it. I had trouble believing a crown prince over 30 has no heirs or is even married. Seeing Zavrius was the youngest at 22, how is it that none of his siblings had a family?
A twist thrown over there, add betrayal, spicy scenes, and likeable supporting characters, and you get Reforged.
I've found that my favourite books usually include some of my favourite characters. They can be a make-or-break for me, and I didn't find these memorable enough. As the author's debut novel, I see the potential for future works.
This is about the romance between a king and his bodyguard. I've never read this trope but I was worried about the power dynamics impacting the relationship. This wasn't a problem as Balen constantly disregarded Zavrius's authority.
All older siblings die mysteriously so Zavrius, 5th in line to the throne, is now king. He was never prepared for it, he didn't even want it. I had trouble believing a crown prince over 30 has no heirs or is even married. Seeing Zavrius was the youngest at 22, how is it that none of his siblings had a family?
A twist thrown over there, add betrayal, spicy scenes, and likeable supporting characters, and you get Reforged.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood
Moderate: Animal death, Gore, Murder, War
Minor: Homophobia, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, Sexual harassment
The Alchemy of Sorrow
Sarah Chorn, Levi Jacobs, Carol A. Park, Krystle Matar, Angela Boord, Intisar Khanani, Virginia McClain, Rachel Emma Shaw, K.S. Villoso, M.L. Wang, Madolyn Rogers, Quenby Olson, Clayton W. Snyder, Sonya M. Black
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m fortunate enough to have my loved ones with me, but if grief is a sensitive subject for you I suggest checking CWs before opening this Fantasy and Sci-Fi anthology of grief and hope. It will be available later this year, but I was able to read it as I’m a Kickstarter backer. I’ll confess I wasn’t a fan of the illustrations.
LULLABY – K.S. VILLOSO
Not a fan of the second person, but the narrator’s voice gives urgency to it that sucks you right in, and it has an interesting twist.
SKIES ON FIRE – SONYA M. BLACK
This one is about grief for your old life. I liked the idea but the execution, not so much.
A MATTER OF TRUST – ANGELA BOORD
Strong women and multifaceted characters. I’ve been having trouble getting immersed in a story; this one kept my attention and made me want to know more about the world and characters. I loved the commentary on toxic masculinity. I’ll look into other works from this author.
A RECURRENCE OF JASMINE – LEVI JACOBS
Arabian Nights vibes with a woman keeping a god enthralled to keep her head on her shoulders. This story would have benefited from being longer. The end was predictable but the journey was enjoyable nonetheless. It was more about hope than grief.
TWICE DOMESTICATED DRAGONS – INTISAR KHANANI
Interesting premise but it felt like two unrelated concepts. The dragons from the title feel more like an afterthought.
THE WITCH IN THE WOOD – QUENBY OLSON
The usage of the second person bugged me from the first page. But what annoyed me the most was the frequent use of the word babe. Predictable and melodramatic.
THIEF – VIRGINIA MCCLAIN
This one doesn’t really feel like fantasy. Probably fans of contemporary fantasy would enjoy this one more than I did.
THICKER THAN WATER – CAROL A. PARK
Marvellous. Great characters and good incorporation of the theme. I was consumed by the feelings of desperation our protagonist was suffering from. Probably my favourite. I just wanted to dive into this world afterwards. I’m glad there are other books about it.
DEATH IN THE UNCANNY VALLEY – M.L. WANG
I heard of this anthology from this author. Wang is an expert in representing grief, and I didn’t hesitate backing it. This one’s very different from Sword of Kaigen, though. YA tale about coping mechanisms and sharing pain as a path to healing.
SUMMER SOULS – CLAYTON SNYDER
This feels like a portion of a bigger story. I couldn’t connect to it.
RELIQUARY OF THE DAMNED – RACHEL EMMA SHAW
Interesting concept that I’d love to see applied on a larger scale, which apparently is coming. A story about empathy and opening up.
THE QUIET – MADOLYN ROGERS
I thought this was the darkest in the anthology. Better explained by the author:
-Madolyn RogersI wanted to explore the strange duality of depression—that as miserable as it is, it can also be a refuge, its numbness a shield against unbearable pain.
THE PAPERWEIGHT WATCH – KRYSTLE MATAR
The aftermath of losing loved ones. Mourning rituals and realizing you’re not the only one suffering. Pain is usually easier to overcome when shared.
I usually have trouble with anthologies, especially from different authors as the quality and style vary and I lose interest midway through. I also prefer detailed plots with multiple twists and character development. Some of these succeeded in creating complex characters and fascinating worlds in a short format. My favourite anthology so far.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Infertility, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexism, Suicide, Terminal illness, Torture, Classism
Minor: Child death, Cursing, Misogyny
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Dalriya is a place reminiscent of Westeros. With all the political intrigue, just not as grim.
We follow Sanc's family. He's the son of a duke and nephew to the king of Guivergne. It is primarily a coming-of-age story, but not something I would suggest for a YA audience. With war as the book's central theme, the characters are forced to hastily grow and resort to previously inconceivable measures to keep their loved ones safe.
The book includes a helpful Dramatis Personae at the beginning, but I suggest you take advantage of the maps available on the author's page to keep track of the complex world he has created.
I had no idea of the scope of this tale, but I'm certain Edmundson has more surprises in the saga that I would gladly dive into.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Sexual harassment, War
Moderate: Bullying, Terminal illness, Murder, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Confinement, Incest, Infidelity, Sexual content, Excrement, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol