writing_bear's reviews
110 reviews

Better Blurb Writing for Authors by Olivia Atwater

informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

Atwater has put together a fantastic resource with this book. If you're struggling to write a blurb or have been feeling that your blurbs are underperforming and want to take a crack at rewriting them I highly recommend picking up this book to help you along the way!

Fall of empires by Maddie Jensen

adventurous challenging emotional tense 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

5.0

Truly a fulfilling ending to this fantastic trilogy. Fall of Empires had me racing to finish it, desperate to know how everything would end and it did not disappoint.

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Content Warnings

Minor: War, Sexual assault, and Miscarriage

Shiver by Allie Reynolds

dark mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

Utterly thrilling! Reynolds kept me guessing until the end.

Memory Weave by Kel E. Fox

adventurous emotional hopeful tense 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

5.0

Another thrilling installment in The Lightless Prophecy that's left me eagerly anticipating the release of the next. Memory Weave is chock full of action, romance, and magic.

Heir of Kings by Maddie Jensen

adventurous challenging 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? N/A

4.75

I'm so glad book 3 is coming out this year because after the rollercoaster of events and emotions in Heir of Kings I am beyond excited to see what comes next in the Legacy of the Lost trilogy!

Jensen has beautifully balanced various character perspectives, crafting a gorgeous tapestry of storytelling excellence. This sequel/middle book in the series does not disappoint. If you enjoyed Blood of Queens you absolutely must read Heir of Kings!

The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

Love that we got another Percy Jackson adventure and back to the classic trio! Reading this was like a warm hug, coming back to old friends. 

Everfire by Kel E. Fox

adventurous 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

5.0

Everfire is a phenomenal sequel to Darkhaven that delivers answers to some questions whilst bringing even more. Gabby is as relatable as ever with her indecisiveness and now she has a canine companion! 

Truly gripping, with beautifully written character growth. Everfire has left me wanting to know what happens next in The Lightless Prophecy and how it'll all unfold.

Uprooted by Naomi Novik

adventurous emotional fast-paced

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

5.0

Utterly brilliant, Novik has an immense gift for storytelling. This book consumed me, I loved it!

Home Brewed, Vampire Bullets, Vol One by Garth Jones, Garth Jones

funny fast-paced

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

4.0

Garth Jones writes with superb wit and wicked humour. The storytelling format used is reminiscent of Stephen King's Carrie whilst the style of Jones' writing is unequivocally his own. Brilliant and undoubtedly Australian, with a blending of metal/rock culture and pepperings of the horrifying and supernatural. Not for the faint of heart or those with sensitive sensibilities, with a profuse use of expletives and Australian slang (so if you're not an Aussie you might need to keep your phone on hand to look up a few word meanings). 
This wasn't exactly my cup of tea but if you enjoy grunge literature and have a wicked sense of humour this could be right up your alley!

Terms Of Inheritance by Michelle Upton

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

4.75

I loved this book! Each and every one of the Turner women feel so real, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't cry whilst reading. Terms of Inheritance is brilliant, funny, and heart touching all at once.