tonyaf's reviews
378 reviews

Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Just as much fun as the previous two books in the series!

A Deception of Courts by Ben Alderson

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

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

3.5

A Deception of Courts is the third book in Ben Alderson's "Realm of Fey" series. I enjoyed both A Betrayal of Storms and A Kingdom of Lies and liked this most recent release in the queer romantasy series as well, though not quite as much as the first two. 

Like the previous two books, this one is fast-paced with lots of action and some big twists. It builds on the religious aspect introduced in A Kingdom of Lies and introduces new allies to aid Robin's fight against his enemies. 

A Kingdom of Lies remains my favorite book in this series but there were a lot of great things in this one. Duncan and Robin's relationship intensifies and continues to be the best part of the series even with the many complications introduced. Althea also gets a little more focus in this book, and Robin begins to truly step into his role as King, adding some great character moments. 

My only complaint is that the entire middle of the book got bogged down with too many negotiations involving the new characters. The beginning and ending of the book were both very exciting but I do think this book could have benefited from trimming down some of these repetitive discussions. 

One warning, A Deception of Courts ends on a really big and emotional cliffhanger that left me shocked and near tears. Thankfully,  A Game of Monsters will be released in May 2025 so we won't have to wait too long to see it resolved. 

The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This was my first Peter Swanson book, and it made me want to read all of his other books. It was great! I loved the gothic, Christmas atmosphere, and I enjoyed the twists. 

Garlic & the Vampire by Bree Paulsen

adventurous inspiring 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? Yes

4.25

This is adorable with a lovely message. The art is lovely too!

A Kingdom of Lies by Ben Alderson

adventurous dark emotional 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? Yes

4.0

 The second book in Ben Alderson's "Realm of Fey" series picks up shortly after the events of book one.
 

Robin and Erix's burgeoning relationship is put to the test in this installment. There are some early big reveals and heavy drama that launch this book into some really unexpected places. 

Like the first book in the series, this is fast-paced and spicy but the political (and newly introduced religious) turmoil becomes far more complicated. 

One of those complications is a new love interest for Robin who is introduced when Robin tries to make a new alliance with an old enemy. The new love interest is a great character and a fantastic addition to the story. I grew to really enjoy him and his dynamic with Robin. 

A Kingdom of Lies improves on the first book, making everything more exciting, dangerous, and emotional. It also wraps up some loose ties from the first book and introduces interesting new aspects to the story. I'm really looking forward to picking up the third book and seeing where the story goes next! 

Twelfth Grade Night by Molly Horton Booth, Stephanie Kate Strohm

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

3.5

 I thought this was adorable! It's a loose retelling of Twelfth Night that is cute, queer, funny, and heartfelt. Plus, the artwork is lovely! 

Celestial Monsters by Aiden Thomas

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

4.0

This is a great ending to a fun duology. It was epic, funny, and wonderfully diverse. There was some great character development and the relationships were very sweet (romantic and found family).

Ghostsmith by Nicki Pau Preto

adventurous dark emotional 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? Yes

4.0

A satisfying conclusion to a great duology. This had some great twists and character moments.

The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher

adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

 I had to start reading this only during daylight hours and with all the lights on and the curtains closed. This has all of the features I love most about T. Kingfisher's books (especially the great characters & humor). It is also the scariest thing she's written so far, in my opinion! 

The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab

adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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? Yes

4.75

 I loved reading more about Kell, Lila, Rhy, and Alucard. Those four are some of my all-time favorite fictional characters, and I will gladly inhale however many more books Victoria Schwab writes about them. I also loved the new characters (especially Tes) and the changes that are happening in the world(s). I'm really looking forward to the next book!