youcancallmefi's reviews
697 reviews

A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson

3.25

 

A Language of Dragons is a promising debut, brimming with original ideas and fantastical elements, but unfortunately, its execution didn’t quite live up to its potential for me.

First, I think the marketing for this book does it a disservice. While comparisons to Babel are made, I believe they’re somewhat misleading. Babel intricately weaves linguistics, academic research, and cultural critique into its magic system. By contrast, A Language of Dragons doesn't quite delve as deeply into those aspects, even though it shares some thematic similarities.

That said, the plot is engaging, and I appreciated the diverse settings the author introduces. The world-building touches on significant, real-world issues like politics, social inequality, injustice, and war. The relationship between dragons and humans is one of the book's strongest points, and I enjoyed exploring the political dynamics that influence different social classes. The dragons themselves were fascinating and added a depth to the story I found compelling.

The protagonist’s journey of unlearning her internalized biases was also an intriguing element. However, while I sympathized with her, I felt her character development could have been executed more effectively. Her gradual shift in perspective doesn’t reach its peak until about 80% into the book, which made the pacing feel overly slow and repetitive. It seemed like she never fully committed to a stance, and by the time her transformation happened, it felt a bit late.

The supporting characters are solid and fit the expectations of a young adult fantasy novel, though the villain, in particular, didn’t feel as convincing as I would have liked. This is often a key element for me in sustaining engagement, and unfortunately, the antagonist fell flat. The romance subplot, specifically the enemies-to-lovers arc, also leaned more toward insta-love than a slow-burn development. While the love notes exchanged between the characters were sweet, the romance felt more like a plot device to give the protagonist something to lose as the stakes escalated.

As the second half of the book progresses and more revelations come to light, the plot starts to show some cracks. One key example is the protagonist—who is repeatedly described as fluent in six dragon languages—struggling with dialects and nuances in communication that should have been well within her ability to understand. These inconsistencies detracted from the story’s overall coherence.

All in all, A Language of Dragons wasn’t a bad book—I enjoyed many aspects of it, especially the world-building and the portrayal of dragons—but I did feel let down by certain plot developments and character choices. I think many readers will still enjoy it, especially if they’re looking for a young adult fantasy with dragons and political intrigue, but for me, it didn’t fully deliver on its potential. 

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

5.0

ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ʙʀɪɢʜᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇɴ ʙʏ ᴍʟ ᴡᴀɴɢ 📜🩸

Reading this boom was like being struck by a blow I could never have anticipated—a wound that still bleeds, lingering long after I closed the final page. Though I wasn’t fully captivated by The Sword of Kaigen, this standalone has consumed me utterly. I’m head over heels for this book, and I haven’t stopped shouting its name to anyone who will listen, my voice raw from both the urgency and agony of its pages.

The story follows Sciona, an ambitious and fiercely intelligent woman who breaks into the elite order of mages—a trailblazer in a world that doesn’t make room for her kind. Sciona’s dreams are to reshape this society, with her flamming ideas and terrifying magic. But as she digs deeper, she unearths secrets so dark they threaten to unravel the very fabric of the world as she and everyone else knows it.

This novel is more than just a story; it’s a reckoning. Brutal and beautifully real, it stitches itself into the political and social landscapes we’re grappling with today. M.L. Wang tackles themes of misogyny, cultural oppression, poverty, resistance, and supremacy, painting an intricate power struggle between Sciona, Thomil, and the very society that confines them. It’s an agonizingly nuanced exploration of balance and domination, revealing a world of razor-edged hierarchies and the harshness of change.

The plot is as deftly woven as it is daring, with dialogue so nuanced and characters so deeply flawed that they seem to step out of the page. Each revelation trickles like a drop of blood on cold marble, unnerving and inevitable, while the world-building is rich enough to consume you whole. And the magic system—crafted with exquisite lore—adds to the raw authenticity, immersing you in a universe that feels both foreign and tragically familiar.

Blood Over Bright Haven made me furious—furious at its world, furious at ours. It’s a story that strikes out against the oppressive weight of patriarchal systems, exposing the fury that lies within anyone who has felt confined by power.

Though I often dig deeper in my reviews, I don’t know that my words could ever do this book justice. It’s simply unforgettable, earning its place among my top books of the year alongside The Dark Mirror—a book that I know I’ll carry with me, scarred yet empowered.

A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft

 

ᴀ ᴅᴀʀᴋ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅʀᴏᴡɴɪɴɢ ᴛɪᴅᴇ ʙʏ ᴀʟʟɪsᴏɴ sᴀғᴛ 

Sharp-tongued and head strong Lorelei, a folklorist, sets out on an expedition to seek out a magical body of water for the King. In this expedition, frustratingly, she has the company of six nobles, with one of them being her rival, the vibrant and enchanting Sylvia Von Wolff. Lorelei has much to gain, and even more to loose in this expedition – her future and big dreams are so close for her to grasp. However, things get a dark turn when their mentor and expedition leader is murdered, leaving Lorelei balancing in a tight rope, trying to uncover the murder, shield her heart unsuccessfully  and succeed in a dangerous mission on behalf of the realm. 

On a stretched political canvas, away from home, deep into sentient forests and meeting dangerous creatures, Lorelei will have, somehow, find who to trust - if she wishes to succeed. 

I was so drawn to this book by it’s beautiful (US) cover, like a siren deadly kiss. After reading A Far Wilder Magic by the same author, and ADORING IT, I immediately jumped into this beautiful tale and I am so glad I did. 

Let me start by saying this was the perfect balance of folklore, romance and murder-mystery and god, Allison Saft prose is the sweetest melody I have ever had the pleasure to encounter! 

This is the most atmospherically, darkly beautiful and eerie folkloric story I have had the pleasure to read and I am so happy I read this in October, on a few rainy days, which added to my reading experience. 

Despite the gentle subtleness, Allison Saft introduces heavy themes such as antisemitism, hatred and prejudice, showing us that fairytales mask much more than we think. The author explores loneliness and belonging like no other, through Lorelei’s eyes. She has experienced it all and this is a thread that follows the whole plot. 

From main to secondary characters, they are a fantastically written complex bunch, with dark motivations and intriguing desires, (some) massive egos and very distinct voices, which I appreciated. 

And the romance? A toe-curling yearning slow burn, that coats thickly and clings to your heart like a delicious spread. The tension, the longing, was truly mesmerising. Folks, sapphic is the way to my heart! 

I have to say I don’t agree with the “dark academia” shelving for this book, but unsure as well how I would classify it. 

Overall, it was such an immersive experience, a dark marvellous voyage into human nature, the importance of admiring the natural world, with the backdrop of quirky little towns, magical beings, clever twists and layered characters, laced with the most enticing and elegant prose you will find. 

If you love Nettle&Bone and Spells for Forgetting, I am absolutely sure you will adore this one. 

Have you read this one or planning to? 

Love, 

Fi x 

The Mask Falling by Samantha Shannon

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

5.0

 ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴀsᴋ ғᴀʟʟɪɴɢ ʙʏ sᴀᴍᴀɴᴛʜᴀ sʜᴀɴɴᴏɴ

When I first read the original The Mask Falling, a year ago, I refused to do a review. I say I refused but I emotionally couldn’t do one. In fact, I didn’t review the whole The Bone Season Series. I was gobsmacked, emotionally in a turmoil and in an unbearable state of shock, not only for what I have read (seriously, wtf Samanta?!) but also for the sudden realisation to have found the series of my life.

First of all, you have to understand that it is an humongous feat to write so an array of deep, well crafted, dynamic characters with an unique voice on a forever expanding packed world, with such an intricate and spider web connected world that spans through every single book. I emphasize that enough.

Never think a small detail from the first book is to be disregarded. You will be proven wrong. 

A dystopian fantasy setting in itself is already distinctive and, quite frankly, genius. But one that reads as epic high fantasy? I am always completely blown away by the complexity   and the never ending expansion of this series reach. Our characters jump through countries, discover different syndicates, face new perils, challenge an array of governments and ideologies. 
(if you sense I am struggling writing this review, it’s because I AM, but stay with me).

The emotional value of this particular instalment is beyond what I can express in words. Through The Mask Falling, Samantha makes you tiptoe in this thin rope where you and these amazing, beautiful characters face gut-wrenching plot twists,  action packed fight scenes, exploration of PTSD and loss. It’s such a fine and delicate balance, with a gorgeous exploration of complex and raw emotions. It’s breathtaking, slow burning and oh so enjoyable.

As the book starts straight from where we left off on The Song Rising (a week or so, which you can explore in the novella The Dawn Chorus) it is very easy to get back to the story and weigh what’s yet to come.
I am so so so appreciative how the author gave space for our main characters to open up and discover their relationship inside the safe house.  It makes me tear up thinking about it. It was beautiful, tender and intimate and at some point, I felt I was intruding. I just love them so much and I wish I could keep them inside that safe house. The normalcy of these scenes in contrast with the irrationality of what was happening outside those walls drove me insane. It still does. 

"𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣❟ 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙨 𝙖 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢. 𝙄 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨."
Well, I have.

I have found a whole series. 

City of Miracles by Robert Jackson Bennett

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad 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 had a similar experience reading the conclusion to the gorgeous Divine Cities Trilogy as I had with the author’s other saga, The Founders Trilogy. I encountered my favourite character POV and a portrayal of grief, found family and loneliness, and I immediately I was going to q wrecked again.
It’s extremely difficult for me to bring my head back to surface after being so immersed in this world. I felt I was hugging these characters for so long, that is too emotional to let go.
The narrative here is, like I said, focused on Sigrud, but there are another few viewpoints from other characters that truly enriched the story, giving a deeper look into the ongoing conflict presented in this book. 
Bennett uses a classic hook to kickstart this conclusion: a shocking murder and a revenge plot. Whilst I agree is not a new and refreshing plot, the way the characters are explored and layered, latching on to family, relationships, hope and loss, with the nostalgic background of Bulikov again, I guarantee that it captivate you. Everything clicked so beautifully in this conclusion. 
The story combined with the stunning prose made this story personal, intimate and mature. We see war, conflict, revenge but also softness, love vulnerability.
The lore with the Divinities paired with the climax sequences was breathtaking and ramped up the stakes, culminating into an explosive conclusion of the main plot line in the series. But what truly stole my heart, was the warrior’s rest, the conclusion to Sigrud’s story. And for that, you will have to read this trilogy from start to finish. I promise it’s worth it.

City of Blades by Robert Jackson Bennett

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful reflective sad 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

4.5

 

 It has been a while since I have picked up a series and read it start to finish with no other books in the middle, but I was very compelled after reading City of Stairs to know what else was Robert Jackson Bennett had in store. 

City of Stairs could, in fact, be read as a standalone. Due to this feeling, I was truly not sure where the story would take us. 

I was very surprised with the choice of changing character. Shara, in the first book, is honestly a marvellous nerdy MC; Mulaghesh, however, was not a character that I adored in the first book. Anyhow, her struggle at the start and her character study and development in this book is truly phenomenal and her actions towards the end, made me worried for her life. But I am getting ahead. 

The book takes place five years after the shocking events on City of Stairs. Here, you have a narrative that is more linear in the first few pages, without the suspense factor of the first book. It was hard for me to feel as satisfied here as the book focus more on war and its costs, rather than being rich in culture, philosophy and history as City of Stairs. 

It feels haunting and there is an impeding sense of doom through the narrative, which I enjoyed. Don’t get me wrong, there was a few horrific scenes that I wasn’t expecting but made me just intrigued enough to avoid being in the cusp of being bored towards the middle. Then, we reach the second half of the book and BOOM, everything gets fast, emotional and distressing. 

 The setting (Voortyashtan) is not so appealing as Bulikov, but the secondary characters that were deeply rooted to this place made it worthwhile. The local politics and war spoils did add another dimension to it, which I enjoyed. 

I probably was more interested in the first book simply due to the new setting, concept and fresh narrative simply. Nevertheless, I am glad I carried on as this book felt quite a good build up to the conclusion of this amazing quest. 

City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad 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

4.25

 

 

 

Robert Jackson Bennett walked in into my life and made cut straight to top 5 of my favorite authors, HELLO? I HAVE BEEN MISSING SO MUCH?! 

How do I even begin to describe this book? Fantasy, politics and divinity, on a medieval post-apocalyptic world – factually, my favorite cocktail. 
 
 The book starts with an intricate murder that our main character has to secretly research – the right hook to make you want more, right from the first page. 

The lore and plot were done masterfully, with such complex magic building that was woven and built slowly. Rather than going to info dumping, Robert Jackson Bennett assembles this world through different characters pov’s, which I adored. 

What happens to a world where gods cease existing, after creating and ruling everything and everyone, defying the laws of nature? I was truly going down a rabbit hole whilst reading this book and absorbing all the information about The Divinities. 

The political and structural world we enter is tangible and at the same time, so layered. It blowed my tiny weeny mind for sure. 

But….but! the true wonder of the show, as usual with any Bennett book, were……the characters. I would die for any of this man’s characters, I honestly would. The main character, the secondary characters, the ‘villains’. The author has such a wondrous capacity to build and flesh out characters like no other. 

Combine all of this with stunning prose and I promise you, you will be obsessed. I, again, cried at the end and already know, if this series is anything similar to The Founders Trilogy, I may not survive this endeavor. 

“I don't have the time or the energy to hate," says Shara. "I only wish to understand. People are what they are.” 

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced

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

3.75

Thank you to publishers and Netgalley for this arc.

I think reading this so closely after finishing The Founders Trilogy tainted my enjoyment. 
Let me get started that saying that overall I can say this was enjoyable to read, and I can divide my reading experience with the two halves of the book. The second part was significantly more enjoyable and fast paced and increased the rating for me.
It’s an unique work of murder mystery set up in a fantasy setting which I have not read many of.
The main reason for my love for The Founders Trilogy is the character work which I though it was …..tepid here. I much enjoyed the secondary characters than the main character. Din’s personality was quite, well, dim, for the most part of the book but I did end up loving his attitude and demeanor toward the end of the book. I would have also enjoyed more if there was more of the ins and outs of characters relationships. Anna felt a bit like Benedict Cumberbatch Sherlock Holmes which I loved, definitively my favorite character.
The author continues to show excellent skills in world building, layering all the bricks of a good setting: politics, the empire, the stakes, the intricate surroundings. 
The murder mystery was a bit lukewarm for me but I can’t pinpoint why. Some of it felt quite predictable as loads of evidence was sprinkled through the book, I think.  
Overall, I did enjoy this experience and am keen to dive in to the next book.

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

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

2.0

 

Has Leigh Bardugo become so big that her editor is scared of actually editing her books? 

I don’t really know what to say about this. Insufferable 21st century characters dropped in the middle of sixteen century Spain, except that there is little to no description or set up of this, apart from words in Spanish. If it wasn’t for the blurb, I wouldn’t be able to tell you where this book takes action. 

The synopsis allures to an adult romantic historical fiction but what I found was another darklina YA romantasy, which is definitively not my choice of book at all, so surprise surprise I didn’t like it. 

I do enjoy occasional romantasy when it’s well written. This was not. It was the most bland and eye rolling relationship I have read, not to mention that the “boring simple girl falls in love with creepy magical century old dude” is just unnecessary at this point. 

The main character initial angle makes it sound that this will be a villain origin story, where her powers come to full bloom and she kills everyone in sight to only turn to meandering ramble where the poor damsel in distress awaits salvation from her knight in shining Armour. 

Add uni dimensional villains and a lesbian semi plot for brownie points. I wish I was exaggerating for drama but alas.

The build up of her powers made no sense at all. Again, I don’t need a full fledged magic system but give me something at least rational when building these amazing powers up? The mc is supposed to have training but this lasts a few pages and she is then off snogging her mentor? 

And don’t get me started on the writing. This book was full of short sentences, unnecessary repetition and 300 questions per paragraph. I don’t mind spending the narrative inside a character’s head but good grief this was unbearable.  It was baffling. There was so much referencing to build up for nothing (for instance, the MCs jewish heritage is mentioned repeatedly only to justify some of the ending but is not really explored throughout the 400 pages of the book?) 

I loved Ninth House, tolerated the grishaverse. This is making me so scared for the Alex Stern next book. 

Oh the 2 points are for the cover. Stunning. 

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

5.0

I told myself I would never read this as it's far too long but here I am.
I read it and loved it and I love Rosamund Pike so much, so get her to do all the books please!