Scan barcode
vermidian's reviews
1167 reviews
The Midwinter Witch by Molly Knox Ostertag
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
I absolutely loved this. It was darling and I have no complaints other than that I'm sad this is the final volume in the trilogy. I would read dozens more.
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
adventurous
dark
sad
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
3.75
I enjoyed a lot about this book, but there were things that didn't mesh as well with me.
In terms of the style of the book, it reminded me a bit of books like The Diviners and Six of Crows, but of course had it's own voice. The cast of characters was a group of marginalized individuals, each dealing with how 1899 Paris would have treated each of their racial identities. I actually quite enjoyed the characters. Some of the dialogue felt a little juvenile at times, but this is a YA book so that's just a personal preference thing and not something I'm gonna dock it points for.
My biggest gripe was that how different plot important elements were introduced to the story. They seemed to pop up at the last minute, sometimes with the characters knowing but you as the reader not. I enjoy trying to pick up on foreshadowing, but I felt like elements showed up a lot as deus ex machinas to solve how to get things from point A to point B. It wasn't entirely awful. I actually would much prefer this over constant info dumping to explain the world. I appreciated very much that Chokshi showed you how the world worked as opposed to constantly bombarding you with information about every type of forging there could be.
I thought the alchemy-like magic was very interesting and I look forward to seeing more ways it can be used in the next book. We really didn't get all that much in the way of forging in this book. Laila and Tristan did most of it, and Tristan did it mostly off screen - so to speak.
I wish the book had ended with the scene with the new ring test. I feel like the next part should have been at the start of book two. Also I hope someone punches Séverin in the face because hooooo boy does he need to get out of his own head. Or maybe he'll get some much needed therapy. Lord knows he has the money for it. Maybe I'll get lucky in book two!
In terms of the style of the book, it reminded me a bit of books like The Diviners and Six of Crows, but of course had it's own voice. The cast of characters was a group of marginalized individuals, each dealing with how 1899 Paris would have treated each of their racial identities. I actually quite enjoyed the characters. Some of the dialogue felt a little juvenile at times, but this is a YA book so that's just a personal preference thing and not something I'm gonna dock it points for.
My biggest gripe was that how different plot important elements were introduced to the story. They seemed to pop up at the last minute, sometimes with the characters knowing but you as the reader not. I enjoy trying to pick up on foreshadowing, but I felt like elements showed up a lot as deus ex machinas to solve how to get things from point A to point B. It wasn't entirely awful. I actually would much prefer this over constant info dumping to explain the world. I appreciated very much that Chokshi showed you how the world worked as opposed to constantly bombarding you with information about every type of forging there could be.
I thought the alchemy-like magic was very interesting and I look forward to seeing more ways it can be used in the next book. We really didn't get all that much in the way of forging in this book. Laila and Tristan did most of it, and Tristan did it mostly off screen - so to speak.
I wish the book had ended with the scene with the new ring test. I feel like the next part should have been at the start of book two. Also I hope someone punches Séverin in the face because hooooo boy does he need to get out of his own head. Or maybe he'll get some much needed therapy. Lord knows he has the money for it. Maybe I'll get lucky in book two!
Forest Hills Bootleg Society by Nicole Goux, Dave Baker
Did not finish book. Stopped at 27%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 27%.
The art style was nice, but it was laced with a lot of Christian guilt which isn't exactly something I enjoy reading, considering I am also of the LGBT+ crowd and have a father who used to be a pastor. The ending was kind of upsetting too. I'm not sure if this is a series or not, but I definitely wouldn't read on after this book.
Magic Tides by Ilona Andrews
adventurous
funny
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
GOD, I missed reading Kate so much. I'm so happy to have more of her in my life, even if it's only a novella. This world really does own my whole soul.
I loved the choice of the monster of the day, which I shall not spoil. It was a good breaking in of the new setting as well, which was kind of weird for me because I live in North Carolina and have BEEN to and through Wilmington. Definitely gonna see Fort Fisher in a different light after this if nothing else.
I'm not sure I trust any of the new characters, especially Keelan. I feel like he, more than anyone, is likely to cause them trouble. And god damn it do I ever miss Ghastek, who does not appear in this novella, but he's my favorite side character for some reason and I know it makes no sense for him to leave Atlanta. Also good for Hugh and his relationship! I wonder if the second Iron and Magic book is going to fill in the blanks more or not. I am forever grateful he got his redemption arc.
I would not recommend starting from this book and going forward. Definitely start with Magic Bites and read through the Kate Daniels series.
I loved the choice of the monster of the day, which I shall not spoil. It was a good breaking in of the new setting as well, which was kind of weird for me because I live in North Carolina and have BEEN to and through Wilmington. Definitely gonna see Fort Fisher in a different light after this if nothing else.
I'm not sure I trust any of the new characters, especially Keelan. I feel like he, more than anyone, is likely to cause them trouble. And god damn it do I ever miss Ghastek, who does not appear in this novella, but he's my favorite side character for some reason and I know it makes no sense for him to leave Atlanta. Also good for Hugh and his relationship! I wonder if the second Iron and Magic book is going to fill in the blanks more or not. I am forever grateful he got his redemption arc.
I would not recommend starting from this book and going forward. Definitely start with Magic Bites and read through the Kate Daniels series.
Afternoon of the Elves by Janet Taylor Lisle
Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.
I had a tremendously difficult time getting into this book, despite it being so short. It just wasn't my cup of tea. Some of the messages the book is trying to convey are absolutely valid, though I'm not sure, as I skipped to the end to see what the thesis of the book might be, how well presented or how well handled those issues were. It's not a book I am likely to recommend and it's not a book I'll be keeping on my shelf. May it find a loving home with someone who enjoys it more than I.
Gallant by V.E. Schwab
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I am firmly gonna go with 3 stars for this read. It was definitely worth reading once, but I'm really on the fence about it.
I really enjoy the lyrical quality of V. E. Schwab's writing. It was what really drew me to her. And this story is no exception. Her descriptions and her ability to make things spooky while being artful is wonderful. I genuinely cannot fault any of the writing as a stylistic choice. That I absolutely loved.
I also loved how the author leads you to understand her talents as something inherited from her father, which was super cool. The illustrations and what they really mean was an awesome revelation.
But hoo boy, this book is constantly trauma dumping. Her parents are dead. Where she grew up has mistreated and abused her, both as a disabled person and a girl in a girl's school (presumably period but I'm not sure). When she gets to her family home, it's not what she expected and her living family member doesn't want her there and wants to send her back to the place of her abuse. She can see ghouls of people, and in her family home that means dead members of a family she never knew. It's a lot and it really is constant.
The plot is also quite slow at the start. The first half of the book spends a lot of time building up Olivia's anxiety about what's happening while the adults in her life explain a whole lot of nothing to her. She has no agency for about two thirds of the book, and then all of a sudden things shoot into action. The pacing is odd, to me, and I can see why people might get frustrated about the book moving slowly.
The ending is also not what I had hoped for. It isn't a bad ending, but it's not a hopeful one. I guess I might've known from the nature of the book as a whole, but it just wasn't the ending I had wanted for Olivia. After all that trauma, she deserved a happy ending and she just doesn't quite get it.
All in all, I'm glad I read it, but this is definitely one I'm going to pass on to someone else.
(Also the weird spinny house thing? That's on the front cover? Why does it have no relevance???)
I really enjoy the lyrical quality of V. E. Schwab's writing. It was what really drew me to her. And this story is no exception. Her descriptions and her ability to make things spooky while being artful is wonderful. I genuinely cannot fault any of the writing as a stylistic choice. That I absolutely loved.
I also loved how the author leads you to understand her talents as something inherited from her father, which was super cool. The illustrations and what they really mean was an awesome revelation.
But hoo boy, this book is constantly trauma dumping. Her parents are dead. Where she grew up has mistreated and abused her, both as a disabled person and a girl in a girl's school (presumably period but I'm not sure). When she gets to her family home, it's not what she expected and her living family member doesn't want her there and wants to send her back to the place of her abuse. She can see ghouls of people, and in her family home that means dead members of a family she never knew. It's a lot and it really is constant.
The plot is also quite slow at the start. The first half of the book spends a lot of time building up Olivia's anxiety about what's happening while the adults in her life explain a whole lot of nothing to her. She has no agency for about two thirds of the book, and then all of a sudden things shoot into action. The pacing is odd, to me, and I can see why people might get frustrated about the book moving slowly.
The ending is also not what I had hoped for. It isn't a bad ending, but it's not a hopeful one. I guess I might've known from the nature of the book as a whole, but it just wasn't the ending I had wanted for Olivia. After all that trauma, she deserved a happy ending and she just doesn't quite get it.
All in all, I'm glad I read it, but this is definitely one I'm going to pass on to someone else.
(Also the weird spinny house thing? That's on the front cover? Why does it have no relevance???)
The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I really enjoyed this read. I have no idea why I waited so long in between books, though I am a second-hand book buyer so it's likely I waited around for a while before I found my copy. I am also DISTINCTLY MAD that I don't already own the third book. (You see the problem. I'll get there.)
If you enjoyed the first book, you'll enjoy this second one. It's a very different narrative, but still consistent with the first book's style and world. This one goes hard on what it means to be a woman in 1450s Russia, which was definitely an element in the first book as well that was fairly important. But in this one, Vasya is dealing with all the different kinds of expectations as an adult woman who wants to heed literally none of them. (Good for her.)
I don't want to spoil anything, but I must say the villain infuriated me and that I'm looking forward to seeing how the third book picks up after the ending of this second book.
There's nothing about this book that I'd change, but I will say it can be depressing at times due to just how poorly society treats women in the books which made it just not quite my perfect vibe. But this is not fiction, and I fully know this is history. This is just a personal preference note.
If you enjoyed the first book, you'll enjoy this second one. It's a very different narrative, but still consistent with the first book's style and world. This one goes hard on what it means to be a woman in 1450s Russia, which was definitely an element in the first book as well that was fairly important. But in this one, Vasya is dealing with all the different kinds of expectations as an adult woman who wants to heed literally none of them. (Good for her.)
I don't want to spoil anything, but I must say the villain infuriated me and that I'm looking forward to seeing how the third book picks up after the ending of this second book.
There's nothing about this book that I'd change, but I will say it can be depressing at times due to just how poorly society treats women in the books which made it just not quite my perfect vibe. But this is not fiction, and I fully know this is history. This is just a personal preference note.
Hard in Hightown by Varric Tethras
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Honestly, this is a cute high fantasy noir novel with cameos that aren't quite cameos of some of your favorite companions. They say good authors write from what they know, and boy did Varric ever write from WHO he knew too. I was actually surprised that more people didn't make cameos. Also I absolutely see what people mean about people shipping Varric and Cassandra, considering Marielle is a more feminine stand in for Cassandra and he spends a whole lot of time making her out to be a total babe who smells good. I'm not saying I ship it particularly, but I see why one would.
I would love an audiobook read by Varric's voice actor, Brian Bloom. Alas, there's only a promotional clip of a short section being read.
Ultimately, I think it was fun, but it's nothing super groundbreaking.
I would love an audiobook read by Varric's voice actor, Brian Bloom. Alas, there's only a promotional clip of a short section being read.
Ultimately, I think it was fun, but it's nothing super groundbreaking.
Dead Set by Richard Kadrey
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book was a gift from my partner. They have really enjoyed Kadrey's books, and they thought I'd enjoy this book more than I did the Sandman Slim books I read. And they were right!
So here's the things I liked about the book. I liked how the grief was described, as a tension and a numbness, a calm after a storm where nothing is quite right. I liked how the book felt somewhere between a modern fairy tale and a fable, almost reminding me of an Anansi the Spider story at times. I liked how the settings were described, between the decrepit Iphigene and the urban wasteland of the waking world. Kadrey seems to really enjoy the shady side of cities, which is really interesting because it's never sight-seeing or reverent. For example, this book takes place in the San Fransisco area, but you would never know that if it wasn't stated somewhere toward the end of the book. (It might have been said at the beginning too, but the end is fresh in my mind.)
And here's the parts I didn't care for. I often don't find Kadrey's characters to feel particularly like real people to me. His characters are not the worst offenders, for sure, but they're off enough that it occasionally takes me out of the story because the character does something so off from my experience of how people respond in real life. Granted, that might just be the particular subset of people I've interacted with, but I find it most commonly in two places: where adult authors are writing children and forget how characters of that age group behave and where male authors write the opposite gender. This book happens to be a little bit of both of those things in our main character Zoe and her high school friend Absynthe, and while he does very well most of the time, there were definitely some moments that made me pause. A lot of that has to do with writing outside of one's own experience, and the only way you get better at it is doing and learning from it. Another thing I didn't particularly care for was that there felt like plot threads that just got dropped for no reason other than they weren't relevant anymore. I also felt like the mixing of the mythologies was a little confusing, but that's just personal preference. (Ammut being Egyptian mythology, Hecate being Greek mythology, and Black Dogs being historically British mythology.) Again, nothing egregious, but it popped me out of immersion in the story.
If you're looking at reading this, it's a very smooth read. It went smoother for me than the Sandman Slim books did for certain.
So here's the things I liked about the book. I liked how the grief was described, as a tension and a numbness, a calm after a storm where nothing is quite right. I liked how the book felt somewhere between a modern fairy tale and a fable, almost reminding me of an Anansi the Spider story at times. I liked how the settings were described, between the decrepit Iphigene and the urban wasteland of the waking world. Kadrey seems to really enjoy the shady side of cities, which is really interesting because it's never sight-seeing or reverent. For example, this book takes place in the San Fransisco area, but you would never know that if it wasn't stated somewhere toward the end of the book. (It might have been said at the beginning too, but the end is fresh in my mind.)
And here's the parts I didn't care for. I often don't find Kadrey's characters to feel particularly like real people to me. His characters are not the worst offenders, for sure, but they're off enough that it occasionally takes me out of the story because the character does something so off from my experience of how people respond in real life. Granted, that might just be the particular subset of people I've interacted with, but I find it most commonly in two places: where adult authors are writing children and forget how characters of that age group behave and where male authors write the opposite gender. This book happens to be a little bit of both of those things in our main character Zoe and her high school friend Absynthe, and while he does very well most of the time, there were definitely some moments that made me pause. A lot of that has to do with writing outside of one's own experience, and the only way you get better at it is doing and learning from it. Another thing I didn't particularly care for was that there felt like plot threads that just got dropped for no reason other than they weren't relevant anymore. I also felt like the mixing of the mythologies was a little confusing, but that's just personal preference. (Ammut being Egyptian mythology, Hecate being Greek mythology, and Black Dogs being historically British mythology.) Again, nothing egregious, but it popped me out of immersion in the story.
If you're looking at reading this, it's a very smooth read. It went smoother for me than the Sandman Slim books did for certain.
User Unfriendly by Vivian Vande Velde
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
So I read these out of order and started with Heir Apparent. Heir Apparent is fantastic and I reread it recently. So, considering I liked book 2 so much, I was excited to backtrack and read the first book. All of them are separate stories in the same world so it wouldn't be too difficult to just jump in.
This book was NOT what I'd hoped for. It felt like every D&D group I'd ever avoided and the plot was honestly kind of predictable, jumping from trope to trope. The characters were basic and frustratingly toxic children. Maybe that was some of the point, but it was not fun to read. I will not be giving this book a reread, even though Heir Apparent has earned a permanent place on my bookshelf.
This book was NOT what I'd hoped for. It felt like every D&D group I'd ever avoided and the plot was honestly kind of predictable, jumping from trope to trope. The characters were basic and frustratingly toxic children. Maybe that was some of the point, but it was not fun to read. I will not be giving this book a reread, even though Heir Apparent has earned a permanent place on my bookshelf.