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truetonywolf's reviews
15 reviews
Covenant of Queens by Silvia Shaw
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A copy of the book was provided to <a href="https://sapphicbookclub.tumblr.com/">Sapphic Book Club</a> in exchange for an honest review.
<img src="https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/360649019070087188/661195730282610748/sapphic_Book_Club.png" width="520" height="120"/>
Covenant of Queens is the third book of the Rand series.
In this third chapter Savannah is a archeologist from our world who after finding a magical necklace travelled to Rand and became the chosen one, destined to save a fantasy world called Rand from many enemies.
The last enemy being an evil army of time travelling shape shifters.
My favourite thing about this series and the books is that most of the characters are women, the Queens have women as consorts. It's so refreshing for once to have a series that has so many womens in it.
You get really attached to the characters and their personal development in the books.
I have a few favourites including a stubborn lively young horse.
Savannah has grown a lot in the previous books and her responsibilities also start to make personal relationships and her romantic relationship tense, so finding a balance in her private life was an important part in this book.
Having a deadline to save the world surely is something that can change someone's life perspective.
I have to say this book was a bit slower to reas for me and I got confused a bit with the characters name and multiple quests during the story.
This book would have benefited from a character name list for a smoother reading.
It's a pleasant book to read. I just didn't click so much with this one compared with the first two, Covenant of Queens was a bit repetitive, maybe in the steps Savannah had to walk in order to save the world of Rand.
The mysteries built up during the series needed to be revealed and honestly I was so curious and invested with Savannah trying to understand the source of her magical powers.
This didn't sound like the actual final chapter so I'm very curious and hopefully for another Rand series book.
The Gift of Blood by Micah Iannandrea, Vaela Denarr
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
5.0
As a Queer person starved for good lgbtq+ representation I fell in love with this book way before it was published.
My hype was so high and I can say now I finished the book it was well placed.
I'm not going to talk much about the plot because there are many plot focused reviews and I'm not going to write one of those this time.
Let me tell you why I read so happily such a big book.
Imagine all the best tropes, the cute ones, the gay ones the one we rarely have all together in media.
There is such a variety of characters, they come in all gender identities, pronouns, size, shapes, colours, disabilities, abilities just as we all do in real life.
There is genuine poly rep I've seen rarely anywhere if not in Fanfictions, the policules are cute, genuine and caring people loving each other without unnecessary drama
I loved that the main character didn't like acquiring "superpowers" as collateral damage of becoming a Vampire.
Ryann doesn't like to have superpowers as much as she loves her workouts, she has a very human struggle to adapt to such a big change in her life.
The real ppwers of characters in this book is their kindness and compassion.
The reason to keep people going and fighting is that profound desire to protect our loved ones, to be decent individual in a world too often filled with hate and greed.
This book is also so funny, legitimately so funny, I giggled so many times at jokes especially the Queer culture ones
There are many cool fighting scenes.
I'm usually not a massive fight scenes fan but oh boy if I enjoyed Rayann and her friends kicking assess.
Reading thr found family trope in this book is heartwarming and is written as what actually,
someone who decides to welcome who in needs of a safe place and unconditional love and support.
Opening a door firstly to your heart and then to your home.
It was nice to find a baby gay character and see her growing confidence through the book.
Ryann and Vaela book inspired me to exercise more and find motivation to keep pushing to be my true self no matter who you might lose on the way in this process you are going to meet as much amazing people who will accept your true self.
Do yourself a favour and read this amazing book.
My hype was so high and I can say now I finished the book it was well placed.
I'm not going to talk much about the plot because there are many plot focused reviews and I'm not going to write one of those this time.
Let me tell you why I read so happily such a big book.
Imagine all the best tropes, the cute ones, the gay ones the one we rarely have all together in media.
There is such a variety of characters, they come in all gender identities, pronouns, size, shapes, colours, disabilities, abilities just as we all do in real life.
There is genuine poly rep I've seen rarely anywhere if not in Fanfictions, the policules are cute, genuine and caring people loving each other without unnecessary drama
I loved that the main character didn't like acquiring "superpowers" as collateral damage of becoming a Vampire.
Ryann doesn't like to have superpowers as much as she loves her workouts, she has a very human struggle to adapt to such a big change in her life.
The real ppwers of characters in this book is their kindness and compassion.
The reason to keep people going and fighting is that profound desire to protect our loved ones, to be decent individual in a world too often filled with hate and greed.
This book is also so funny, legitimately so funny, I giggled so many times at jokes especially the Queer culture ones
There are many cool fighting scenes.
I'm usually not a massive fight scenes fan but oh boy if I enjoyed Rayann and her friends kicking assess.
Reading thr found family trope in this book is heartwarming and is written as what actually,
someone who decides to welcome who in needs of a safe place and unconditional love and support.
Opening a door firstly to your heart and then to your home.
It was nice to find a baby gay character and see her growing confidence through the book.
Ryann and Vaela book inspired me to exercise more and find motivation to keep pushing to be my true self no matter who you might lose on the way in this process you are going to meet as much amazing people who will accept your true self.
Do yourself a favour and read this amazing book.
Finding Refuge by Victoria Janssen
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
A copy of the book was provided to <a href="https://sapphicbookclub.tumblr.com/">Sapphic Book Club</a> in exchange for an honest review.
<img src="https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/360649019070087188/661195730282610748/sapphic_Book_Club.png" width="520" height="120"/>
I read some reviews before reading this book and I was curious to see this recovery journey that was mentioned by many people.
When I actually started this book I got super worried I wouldn't like it because there were so many names mentioned and events I couldn't figure out at first what was going on.
I'm glad that I kept reading and the initial fog dissipated, making me able to see the plot and characters clearly and love them.
Plot:
Talia is the main character with telepathic communication powers that was separated from her people's collective hive mind and her closest friends during a rebel mission against a totalitarian government.
The two people who save her are Miki who has a special place in Talia's heart and is also a tech genius and Faigin the enhanced government soldier who now fights for the rebellion and is also the pilot of their ship.
During Talia's imprisonment she was drugged to make her unable to use her telepathy and that weakened her body and spirit.
The guilt of not being able to fight, the ghosts of lost lives of other rebels, with the silent emptiness of the deep telepathic contact with her people make Talia's recovery hard.
That's why they together decide to look for a safe planet hidden from the Government where they can find shelter, safety and refuge.
Talia has to fight not only for the cause but to accept that the steps for recovery are slow and heavy and leave her unable to actively fight.
The purpose of their mission helps Talia to start this journey to find herself again and recover from her wounds both physical and emotional.
The author describes Talia's feelings in a way you easily get in her shoes.
The book portrays the hardest part of recovery, the one where you have to accept to be deserving of good things, to think of a future and even dream of a better one.
What I enjoyed the most reading were the interactions between the characters.
They are really entertaining especially since they all have such distinctive and different temperaments and to see their synergy it's amazing.
I would recommend this book also for the ease in which the author makes you imagine this futuristic universe, their inhabitants and the hopeful vibes that it inspires.
<img src="https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/360649019070087188/661195730282610748/sapphic_Book_Club.png" width="520" height="120"/>
I read some reviews before reading this book and I was curious to see this recovery journey that was mentioned by many people.
When I actually started this book I got super worried I wouldn't like it because there were so many names mentioned and events I couldn't figure out at first what was going on.
I'm glad that I kept reading and the initial fog dissipated, making me able to see the plot and characters clearly and love them.
Plot:
Talia is the main character with telepathic communication powers that was separated from her people's collective hive mind and her closest friends during a rebel mission against a totalitarian government.
The two people who save her are Miki who has a special place in Talia's heart and is also a tech genius and Faigin the enhanced government soldier who now fights for the rebellion and is also the pilot of their ship.
During Talia's imprisonment she was drugged to make her unable to use her telepathy and that weakened her body and spirit.
The guilt of not being able to fight, the ghosts of lost lives of other rebels, with the silent emptiness of the deep telepathic contact with her people make Talia's recovery hard.
That's why they together decide to look for a safe planet hidden from the Government where they can find shelter, safety and refuge.
Talia has to fight not only for the cause but to accept that the steps for recovery are slow and heavy and leave her unable to actively fight.
The purpose of their mission helps Talia to start this journey to find herself again and recover from her wounds both physical and emotional.
The author describes Talia's feelings in a way you easily get in her shoes.
The book portrays the hardest part of recovery, the one where you have to accept to be deserving of good things, to think of a future and even dream of a better one.
What I enjoyed the most reading were the interactions between the characters.
They are really entertaining especially since they all have such distinctive and different temperaments and to see their synergy it's amazing.
I would recommend this book also for the ease in which the author makes you imagine this futuristic universe, their inhabitants and the hopeful vibes that it inspires.
Walk Between Worlds by Samara Breger
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
A copy of the book was provided to <a href="https://sapphicbookclub.tumblr.com/">Sapphic Book Club</a> in exchange for an honest review.
<img src="https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/360649019070087188/661195730282610748/sapphic_Book_Club.png" width="520" height="120"/>
Walk in between worlds is a book that managed to make me emotionally attached to a kitchen knife.
The book follows the adventures of Sergeant Scratch, a promising King guard with big plans for her career, a short stature and a strong temperament.
This book has many comical sketches that made me giggle, I should have seen this coming since the writer is also a comedian.
Scratch is matched with her inseparable friend James who is a good lad and an amazing friend.
When the promising future in the army gets twisted when Scratch becomes a unlikely damsel in distress, imprisoned with James for a crime that they didn’t commit, it's time for the Shae siblings to come to the rescue.
Vel and his sister Brella save the day but bring more complications and magic on the table.
I deeply loved the discussion about the “seamstress”.
I won’t say too much because I can’t spoil the book but different gender roles are involved.
In the turbulent and political intrigues that follow Scratch and James there are the “Walk between worlds” and magical creatures “Fae” encounters.
I have to be honest I didn’t feel as much passion for the main romance happening as much as I did for a story told by two faes that Scratch meets.
It wasn’t badly written, just didn’t feel as smooth and natural.
Scratch character growth is intense and quite turbulent, she still fights with the skills she learnt from her training in the king's guard.
I think it is good for once that in a Fantasy book the hero doesn't just throw away a life they fought hard for to go run in the magical lands with the fairies but keep pursuing and use their talent for a rightful cause.
This reading was really funny and relaxing since the story is not overly complicated and I couldn’t put my book down because I could see that there was a lot in Scratch story to be told.
I love when fantasy books have that funny tone and ease in the story telling.
I always have a soft spot for small stubborn characters that are misjudged by their size.
I can’t wait for a sequel or another story by Samara Breger.
If you want a fun read with a lot of cute tropes, to learn why Scratch is called Scratch and why I got so emotionally attached to a kitchen knife please read this book!
<img src="https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/360649019070087188/661195730282610748/sapphic_Book_Club.png" width="520" height="120"/>
Walk in between worlds is a book that managed to make me emotionally attached to a kitchen knife.
The book follows the adventures of Sergeant Scratch, a promising King guard with big plans for her career, a short stature and a strong temperament.
This book has many comical sketches that made me giggle, I should have seen this coming since the writer is also a comedian.
Scratch is matched with her inseparable friend James who is a good lad and an amazing friend.
When the promising future in the army gets twisted when Scratch becomes a unlikely damsel in distress, imprisoned with James for a crime that they didn’t commit, it's time for the Shae siblings to come to the rescue.
Vel and his sister Brella save the day but bring more complications and magic on the table.
I deeply loved the discussion about the “seamstress”.
I won’t say too much because I can’t spoil the book but different gender roles are involved.
In the turbulent and political intrigues that follow Scratch and James there are the “Walk between worlds” and magical creatures “Fae” encounters.
I have to be honest I didn’t feel as much passion for the main romance happening as much as I did for a story told by two faes that Scratch meets.
It wasn’t badly written, just didn’t feel as smooth and natural.
Scratch character growth is intense and quite turbulent, she still fights with the skills she learnt from her training in the king's guard.
I think it is good for once that in a Fantasy book the hero doesn't just throw away a life they fought hard for to go run in the magical lands with the fairies but keep pursuing and use their talent for a rightful cause.
This reading was really funny and relaxing since the story is not overly complicated and I couldn’t put my book down because I could see that there was a lot in Scratch story to be told.
I love when fantasy books have that funny tone and ease in the story telling.
I always have a soft spot for small stubborn characters that are misjudged by their size.
I can’t wait for a sequel or another story by Samara Breger.
If you want a fun read with a lot of cute tropes, to learn why Scratch is called Scratch and why I got so emotionally attached to a kitchen knife please read this book!
Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Rand by Silvia Shaw
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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
4.5
A copy of the book was provided to <a href="https://sapphicbookclub.tumblr.com/">Sapphic Book Club</a> in exchange for an honest review.
<img src="https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/360649019070087188/661195730282610748/sapphic_Book_Club.png" width="520" height="120"/>
Savannah, a young archeologist, finds a magic relic during an excavation in Algeria.
During a conference about Warrior Women society of the past where she explains
"She figured heroic military women were probably seen by men as a threat to their masculinity, but women were fascinated by them. Treadmills and Pilates were no substitute for down-to-earth gritty female strength. Xena be damned. These historical Amazons were the real deal” (I laughed loud at this statement).
At the conference she meets a mysterious stranger and gets transported to a mysterious land called Rand.
Rand has a matriarchal society and many strong warriors and intricate political plots. Savannah falls for the old history, fantastic creatures and powerful women that surround her new reality.
Not only Savannah is lost and far from home but she is now the "chosen one" bound to save this new reality from a mysterious incoming doom.
I was a bit weary at first of the "chosen one" role with a prophecy to fulfill, until the prophecy mentioned a future promise of a lover awaiting.
As the hopeless romantic I am and my weakness for sapphic romance I was gladly baited into the plot.
I felt on a personal level the stubbornness of the main character to prove she was more than what everybody thought of her at first glance, considering her harmless and not worth her important love.
Savannah's strength lies in her curious brain, historical knowledge and general sassiness.
The events happening in the story are a lot, and often the problem solving is based on the “hints from the magical item but it works as a subterfuge to keep the story flow steady.
I think the fast pacing could also be seen as the xcited narrator trying to describe these new experiences and all of this beautiful magical world unrolling in front of her eyes.
My favourite arc was the one where Savannah has to Prove to a grumpy Commander that she is worth her respect, and for that she has to start training with the other recruits of the queendom’s guard.
The "hero in the make training process" is slow enough to make it realistic and hilarious at times.
A map would have been handy to put in place the different locations mentioned and to “see” better the world layout.
As a whole Rand was lovely to read, I enjoyed a cheerful, playful writing style.
I would recommend this book as a fantasy adventure that's light and entertaining to read, fast paced and with colorful character descriptions, and the variety of characters you get to adore.
Enjoy!
<img src="https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/360649019070087188/661195730282610748/sapphic_Book_Club.png" width="520" height="120"/>
Savannah, a young archeologist, finds a magic relic during an excavation in Algeria.
During a conference about Warrior Women society of the past where she explains
"She figured heroic military women were probably seen by men as a threat to their masculinity, but women were fascinated by them. Treadmills and Pilates were no substitute for down-to-earth gritty female strength. Xena be damned. These historical Amazons were the real deal” (I laughed loud at this statement).
At the conference she meets a mysterious stranger and gets transported to a mysterious land called Rand.
Rand has a matriarchal society and many strong warriors and intricate political plots. Savannah falls for the old history, fantastic creatures and powerful women that surround her new reality.
Not only Savannah is lost and far from home but she is now the "chosen one" bound to save this new reality from a mysterious incoming doom.
I was a bit weary at first of the "chosen one" role with a prophecy to fulfill, until the prophecy mentioned a future promise of a lover awaiting.
As the hopeless romantic I am and my weakness for sapphic romance I was gladly baited into the plot.
I felt on a personal level the stubbornness of the main character to prove she was more than what everybody thought of her at first glance, considering her harmless and not worth her important love.
Savannah's strength lies in her curious brain, historical knowledge and general sassiness.
The events happening in the story are a lot, and often the problem solving is based on the “hints from the magical item but it works as a subterfuge to keep the story flow steady.
I think the fast pacing could also be seen as the xcited narrator trying to describe these new experiences and all of this beautiful magical world unrolling in front of her eyes.
My favourite arc was the one where Savannah has to Prove to a grumpy Commander that she is worth her respect, and for that she has to start training with the other recruits of the queendom’s guard.
The "hero in the make training process" is slow enough to make it realistic and hilarious at times.
A map would have been handy to put in place the different locations mentioned and to “see” better the world layout.
As a whole Rand was lovely to read, I enjoyed a cheerful, playful writing style.
I would recommend this book as a fantasy adventure that's light and entertaining to read, fast paced and with colorful character descriptions, and the variety of characters you get to adore.
Enjoy!
Interference by Zoe Reed
5.0
This book is amazing, rarely I smiled and cried and had my heart full of tenderness, curiosity, passion to follow the characters evolution and I can say Zoe wrote a realistic and intriguing book.
This is the kind of love we should read more often, a example of "true love", first the one we should find in ourselves and if we're lucky enough, in someone else.
This is the kind of love we should read more often, a example of "true love", first the one we should find in ourselves and if we're lucky enough, in someone else.