4.0 Stars This was an enjoyable fantasy story filled with memorable characters and plenty of adventure. This one had plot points and tropes I've seen b4.0 Stars This was an enjoyable fantasy story filled with memorable characters and plenty of adventure. This one had plot points and tropes I've seen before yet I found them comforting, rather than tired.
I think this one worked because the character interactions were so magnetic. I loved the back and forth, playing either the characters motivations and allegiances.
I would definitely love to read more set in this world or another book by this author. I would recommend this one to readers looking for a fun new fantasy story.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
4.0 Stars This is an interesting sci fi thriller that blends together horror themes inside the framework of a science fiction novel.
I appreciate the ce4.0 Stars This is an interesting sci fi thriller that blends together horror themes inside the framework of a science fiction novel.
I appreciate the cerebral nature of this author's work. The writing is simple yet well crafted. I always enjoy the themes surrounding artificial intelligence, especially presented in a more nuanced way.
I would recommend this novella for readers looking for a smart literary take on the sci fi thriller genre. It likely won't have mass appeal but it worked very well for this reader.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher...more
3.5 Stars After enjoying the first book in the series, I was interested to continue on with this sequel. As a piece of dense political fiction, I wish 3.5 Stars After enjoying the first book in the series, I was interested to continue on with this sequel. As a piece of dense political fiction, I wish I could have read the books back to back because I felt the gap worked against my enjoyment.
While this is technically science fiction, I feel this one reads more like a political fantasy. The story better scratched my itch for those kinds of stories.
This series is inspired by ancient Egypt and Rome. As someone with only a basic understanding of that period of history, the connection to this fictional work went over my head. I certainly enjoyed aspects of this book but I felt a gap that held me back from really loving it.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
4.0 Stars Some people say that authors should keep social commentary out of horror books. However, I strongly disagree. If you look at the history of t4.0 Stars Some people say that authors should keep social commentary out of horror books. However, I strongly disagree. If you look at the history of the genre, you will see that it has always been used as a way to comment on our world. And sometimes those nuggets are reality are more terrifying than fiction.
Personally I loved how this novel turned its targets on propaganda media and its role in dividing families along political lines. The novel and its author clearly have an opinion that colors the narrative. I happened to share the author's views so I was not deterred by the not-so-subtle messaging. Certainly this novel will ruffle feathers among readers who disagree but I have no problem with a politically heavy novel.
The story was engrossing and exciting. It hit the right balance between satire and a hard hitting horror novel with relatable characters. Despite having a heavy slant to the narrative, I found this one still aimed to deliver its themes in a smart, thoughtful manner.
If you are looking for a topical take on current events in North America, this one delivers a powerful take on the horrors of blind allegiance. It's hardly an escapist read, but this is the cathartic read I needed right now.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
3.5 Stars I appreciated the themes of colonialism explored within this novel. However I didn't not necessarily connect with the story. I found that the3.5 Stars I appreciated the themes of colonialism explored within this novel. However I didn't not necessarily connect with the story. I found that the narrative kept me at a distance and I struggled to get immersed in this one. I find these kinds of stories important so I wished it has worked better for me.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
2.0 Stars This was a thriller that was average at best. I ultimately found the characters and subsequent plot forgettable. The premise was intriguing b2.0 Stars This was a thriller that was average at best. I ultimately found the characters and subsequent plot forgettable. The premise was intriguing but it didn’t end up working for me in execution....more
3.5 Stars The Wayward Children novella series has become a yearly comfort. Some of the entries have been stronger than others but I find myself just en3.5 Stars The Wayward Children novella series has become a yearly comfort. Some of the entries have been stronger than others but I find myself just enjoying spending time with the characters.
This entry was good in places but didn't quite hit me in the emotions. I suspect this one will hit harder for someone with a closer connection to the topics explored in this one, like adoption.
I would recommend this series for readers who enjoy fantasy novels that use fiction to explore the complexity of our actual world. If you are interested in this series, you'll get the most out of the reading experience by going in order.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
3.0 Stars This is a domestic thriller that explores topics of postpartum depression and trauma. I expected some kind of big twists but this one ended u3.0 Stars This is a domestic thriller that explores topics of postpartum depression and trauma. I expected some kind of big twists but this one ended up being pretty straightforward. I was disappointed because I thought there was more to this one but it ended up being quite simple.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
4.0 Stars I am someone who primarily reads fiction, I can confirm that this was an engaging piece of nonfiction. I had a goal to read more non fiction 4.0 Stars I am someone who primarily reads fiction, I can confirm that this was an engaging piece of nonfiction. I had a goal to read more non fiction this year and so jumped at the opportunity to review this book.
As someone fascinated by prehistoric beasts, I knew I would love those sections. However I was surprised by how equally fascinating I found the prehistoric plants right.
As non fiction I found the narrative engaging. The author really did a great job bringing the past to life.
If you love non fiction or want to get into the genre, this is an excellent book to pick up. I found the scope of the broad and deep with enough interesting details to keep any reader hooked.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
4.0 Stars This was another fantastic entry in this addictive thriller series. It was the perfect escapist read I needed this week. I enjoyed the snowst4.0 Stars This was another fantastic entry in this addictive thriller series. It was the perfect escapist read I needed this week. I enjoyed the snowstorm setting. I found the pregnancy stuff quite triggering so be warned if anyone else has labour and delivery trauma.
I really hold this spin off series to continue so I already want another book. I recommend starting at the beginning of this series. I personally don't feel the original series needs to be read first.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
4.0 Stars I loved this fantasy story that blended in elements of a mystery novel. I am finding that I really enjoy this particular genre blend.
The prot4.0 Stars I loved this fantasy story that blended in elements of a mystery novel. I am finding that I really enjoy this particular genre blend.
The protagonist is a smart individual who makes a compelling perspective. Compared to epic fantasy, this one has a tighter focus but it still felt grand and important in its own way.
This one slightly reminded me of Justice of Kings and the rest of that trilogy. This is certainly not a copycat but it has some similarity in terms of scope and themes.
I would highly recommend this fantasy novels for anyone looking for a strong fantasy entry with a sharp protagonist unraveling a mystery.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
3.5 Stars As someone who has casually watched some of season 1&2 of Arcane, I am aware of the League of Legends universe but not a diehard fan. So I we3.5 Stars As someone who has casually watched some of season 1&2 of Arcane, I am aware of the League of Legends universe but not a diehard fan. So I went into this novel to see if it holds up as a fantasy novel without the bias of being a superfan.
I am happy to report that the novel held up well. I have read this author's original work and so I wasn't surprised to find that they brought the same quality to this franchise. This novel featured a fierce protagonist. The writing was rich and I enjoyed the worldbuilding.
I liked it quite a bit so I would highly recommend it to readers who love this universe. As a casual fan, it's a good fantasy story but the kind that is likely to become an all time favourite.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher...more
3.0 Stars After reading this author's last two space horror novels, I have become wary of their work. The ending of Dead Silence was frustrating and Gh3.0 Stars After reading this author's last two space horror novels, I have become wary of their work. The ending of Dead Silence was frustrating and Ghost Station was overall quite dry. Normally when I strike out with an author, I would give up on an author. However, as someone who is obsessed with the genre sci fi horror, I keep holding our hope for a new favourite.
Perhaps this is a symptom of my power expectations but I was fairly happy with the first half of this novel. I enjoyed a lot of the science fiction elements and found the story itself to be reasonably engrossing. Towards the second half, my warmed feelings cooled.
I find this author struggles to write a compelling climax and ending which feels particularly important in this subgenre. This one had a decent setup but failed to come together in a satisfying way.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher...more
3.5 Stars This was an interesting experimental piece of speculative fiction. At places, I was sucked into the story. In other times, I found the narrat3.5 Stars This was an interesting experimental piece of speculative fiction. At places, I was sucked into the story. In other times, I found the narrative messy and lacking focus. This novel didn't entirely come together for me but I have more patience for experimentation over playing it safe.
I would cautiously recommend this one to readers who share my interest in unique storytelling.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
4.0 Stars This was an enjoyable piece of fantasy. In the ocean of epic fantasy, this metropolitan fantasy novel felt fresh. I am a sucker for an underd4.0 Stars This was an enjoyable piece of fantasy. In the ocean of epic fantasy, this metropolitan fantasy novel felt fresh. I am a sucker for an underdog story so I was immediately engrossed in this one. I liked the scrappy characters and the close quarters fighting in this one.
I would recommend this one looking for a fantasy story with a good balance of action and character development.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
3.5 Stars At this point, I have read a number of books by this author and I am always interested to see his progression as a writer. In terms of prose,3.5 Stars At this point, I have read a number of books by this author and I am always interested to see his progression as a writer. In terms of prose, this is the best I've seen from him. The first sentence is so memorable. As for the rest of the story, I found this one fairly predictable and safe.
I would reconsider this one to readers looking for a new fantasy series but not necessarily needing something unique or entirely fresh. While not Innovative, I had a good time with it.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
3.0 Stars This was an enjoyable if a bit simple start to a new epic fantasy series. This is a piece of adult fiction but I felt like it had crossover a3.0 Stars This was an enjoyable if a bit simple start to a new epic fantasy series. This is a piece of adult fiction but I felt like it had crossover appeal for young adult readers. The story and its characters felt a bit more straightforward, which made it feel quite accessible.
I appreciated this one but I didn't feel like the target audience. In the last several years, I have grown a preference for more complex narratives and worldbuilding which this does not provide. The story is enjoyable even if it is predictable. I just needed a more layered story than what was provided.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
2.5 Stars From the premise, this easily could have been a favourite book of the year. I am a sucker for time travel stories (especially with Romance el2.5 Stars From the premise, this easily could have been a favourite book of the year. I am a sucker for time travel stories (especially with Romance elements) and I have always been fascinated by historical Japan. It just felt rushed and underdeveloped. I wish the story and worldbuilding were more fleshed out. It left me wanting more because the premise had so much potential.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
Rachel (TheShadesofOrange)
>
Books:
2025
(54)
Loading...
