I read this book because Drizzt Do'Urden is my favorite fictional character. Ever. And I am soon going to be sitting in on a panel with, and meeting, I read this book because Drizzt Do'Urden is my favorite fictional character. Ever. And I am soon going to be sitting in on a panel with, and meeting, legendary author R.A. Salvatore during his appearance at New York Comic Con this year. It's been a solid 20 years since I have read these books though! When I was younger, all I read was epic fantasy, I was not the genre-diverse reader that I am now. Drizzt and his world were a major obsession during my teen years and cemented my love of epic fantasy. Throughout the many books Drizzt is featured in, he writes down his thoughts on life, love, good versus evil, motivations, etc. The Dao of Drizzt compiles all of these writings and gives the reader an overview of his heart and soul and mind, and how he learns and grows. It also provided a little refresher on what happened over the course of the books. I wanted this refresher before this meeting with Salvatore. I enjoyed it! But if you haven't read the books, you probably wouldn't. I feel like it's more of a collector's piece for Drizzt fans. ...more
I had the absolute pleasure of attending the launch event for this book on publication day! Listening to Rachel Harrison speak about her experience wrI had the absolute pleasure of attending the launch event for this book on publication day! Listening to Rachel Harrison speak about her experience writing the book and what went into it from her own life and experiences, makes it even more special to read. While on the surface, yes, this is a vampire story about two best friends who get turned and their whole world turns upside down. But truthfully, it is about so much more. Sloane is our MC and the book takes place right before her birthday. Ironically, this book was released the day before my 36th birthday and that's the day I started reading it. I found myself relating to Sloane in the sense of getting older and my life maybe not feeling like it's where it "should" be, or living how she really wants to. Sloane's husband surprises her and her bestie Naomi with a weekend getaway for her birthday. This is where shit gets wild, starting with a vampire orgy. Up until this point, it was easy to forget this was a vampire book, then something sinister happens which is a shocking change of feel. It gets a little dark, and more than a little bloody. But all along the core of the story is really a search to find fulfilment in life and live it on your terms. Friendship is also a really strong theme in this one. Ironically, sometimes you have to become undead to appreciate life. ...more
I was absolutely not disappointed in this second installment of the Flesh and False Gods trilogy. I don't want to give anything away for the first booI was absolutely not disappointed in this second installment of the Flesh and False Gods trilogy. I don't want to give anything away for the first book, but we do pick up right where we left off. It's a very politically driven plot and each character has their own motives. Book one takes place in the super cool modern San-Er, whose imagery was incredible. Book two takes us out into the provinces and wider Talin. We encounter different types of people and rebels. We witness whole new levels to the magic system of this world. We realize that some of the worldbuilding in book one, was built on a false bedrock of lies. Calla and Anton are still the two main characters, but Otta and August are almost equals. And it's so interesting because I feel like it's a story of ambiguous characters. Everyone has their goals and motivations and reasonings. It's hard to choose what you're rooting for, so I was really just there for a ride. Mao Mao is the best, obviously; I'll never get tired of a cat companion character. The spaces filled in from book one to book two regarding the magic and gods and such, feels so natural and seamlessly add to the world, making it richer. AND THAT ENDING! Damn...talk about a cliffhanger. I really enjoyed book two and I will be ready to snatch up book three when it releases for what's bound to be an exciting ending! We know this is loosely based on Antony and Cleopatra, so I don't foresee a happy ending, but a fitting one. ...more
I went into this fully expecting to like it and was so surprised to find out that I did not. I'm going to keep this one short because I don't enjoy beI went into this fully expecting to like it and was so surprised to find out that I did not. I'm going to keep this one short because I don't enjoy being negative, but I did finish it, so I will write a review and my reviews are always honest. I don't write reviews on books that I DNF; I had to really push myself to finish this one and not DNF. It has the trappings of an awesome book. When you hear what it's about, it sounds like it should be great! A magic school that teaches the art of persuasion and illusion, a female main character who didn't know she was magical gets invited to the school and develops a relationship with her advisor while trying to prove herself. Unfortunately, this was not it for me. I didn't like any of the characters, especially the main character Lennon. Everyone was just...rough. I wasn't invested in the story and was actually a bit bored and really didn't care. It wasn't bringing me to care. The end was the best part, but I struggled to get there. It may be for some people, but I just could not get into it. I would say definitely still try it if you're intrigued! What's not for one, may be for another! Two stars because I liked the idea. ...more
I honestly just love Greek mythology and eat all of this up. Hera is a figure who often appears in the stories of others, but isn't the main focus, soI honestly just love Greek mythology and eat all of this up. Hera is a figure who often appears in the stories of others, but isn't the main focus, so I was looing forward to this one. She is usually portrayed as very jealous and spiteful, and honestly not too likeable. While this retelling does still portray her in the same jealous way, we get to understand why. We get into her head and her pain and rage and grief and understand why she acts the way she does. It was a little different than I was expecting; I thought we might get a different take on her, and we didn't really. Although she does lean into the Queen of the Gods aspect a bit more. Female rage is really real and honestly, in Hera's case, justified. Cycles of abuse are explored, as well as the motivations and experiences that lead to how Hera is. Which I think can be applied to women in real life. Outside of Hera's story, I enjoyed the creation of certain things mentioned, like peacocks for example. And of course, I always adore my girl Artemis and love her fleeting but badass depiction in this book! As much as I love Greek mythology, this was my first Jennifer Saint book and I would like to go back and read the rest now. ...more
3.5 Stars (I think). John Wick wrote a book? OK! First, this book is so sexy looking! I am really hoping to get my hands on the Con edition they were 3.5 Stars (I think). John Wick wrote a book? OK! First, this book is so sexy looking! I am really hoping to get my hands on the Con edition they were selling at SDCC, hopefully they’ll have it at NYCC because I’ll be there! This novel is based on the comic series by Keanu Reeves called BRZRKR. While I have not read that (I’m more of a novel reader), it’s my understanding that this basically takes that story and character and fills it in to from a full novel. B is an immortal being with a not so super clear origin—mom struck by blue lightning and became pregnant with him, making him some kind of god-like figure. He cannot die, not even decapitation, and he always heals. He traverses through history offing bad guys, and in modern times we find him in the US military serving on black ops missions. There’s some interesting technology and another god-like pig creature (which is a little bizarre but I think supposed to be comedic). The main takeaway for me was the fact that our mortality makes life worth living, it makes things precious and special. And B wants nothing more than to be immortal. Not to die necessarily, even though that comes with mortality, but to experience what it feels like knowing you are mortal and living life through that lens. Keanu Reeves has stated that China Miéville, the co-author, really wrote the novel. While I have never read this author before, I hear he is an epic fantasy/sci-fi writer and I’d be curious to read his other works. There were some really good and thoughtful components, but it also felt maybe a little stretched thin. I’d be curious to read the comic books! I enjoyed the character a lot and the violence. I can only imagine how badass this is going to be in the show/film adaptation starring the man myth and legend himself!...more
Cordelia is the young teen daughter of Evangeline, an evil sorcerer. Cordelia doesn’t quite understand how evil her mother is, she just knows she mustCordelia is the young teen daughter of Evangeline, an evil sorcerer. Cordelia doesn’t quite understand how evil her mother is, she just knows she must do what she is told, have no friends other than her mother’s horse, and never lock her doors. When she doesn’t live up to her mother’s demands, she is made to be “obedient”. This allows Evangeline to control her body and speech, it’s like she’s a puppet. With her eyes set on marrying rich, Evangeline moves Cordelia to the home of the Squire and his sister Hester. Hester immediately recognizes Evangeline for being evil. Hester, a strong-willed middle aged woman, is determined to save her brother and Cordelia from Evangeline’s evil witchy grasp.
This is a reimaging of the Brother’s Grimm “Goose Girl”, which I’ll admit I am not familiar with so I can draw no comparisons. I love T. Kingfisher and she has become an auto-buy author for me, so I am not surprised that I really enjoyed this! It is dark, and the abuse from mother to daughter is really real, but I wouldn’t necessarily call this “horror” despite it being labeled such. The side characters are the absolute best! In fact, all characters are strong and likeable (besides Evangeline). Kingfisher’s thing with horses is again present, and I never thought of geese being heroes. But here we are. ...more
Charming, delightful, funny and whimsical! Imagine waking up with no memory of who you are and then slowly discovering that you are evil, a kidnapper Charming, delightful, funny and whimsical! Imagine waking up with no memory of who you are and then slowly discovering that you are evil, a kidnapper of princesses, plotter of bad deeds with evil wizards, and have horrible taste in decor and clothes. This is what happens to the evil Lord Gavrax. He doesn't remember himself at all after waking up in a chalk circle after an explosion, but the more he discovers, the more it doesn't feel right to him. He doesn't really want to be himself, because everything he is learning, he doesn't like, and everyone fears him--but who else can he be? Eager to get his memories back, but not eager to be himself, Gav is left in a weird situation and journey of finding oneself. It's a simple and whimsical book, driven by the villain, which I love. It's cozy in its own way and character driven. It's pretty low stakes and you just know the whole time that everything is going to be ok in the end, but there are some twists along the way. I'm really enjoying this emergence of cozy fantasy that kind of feels like a D&D campaign, which seems to be a new trend. Really cute and enjoyable!...more
I wish I had done a reread of the previous 4 books leading up this, but I didn’t, and I still loved it. In case you don’t know, the All Souls series (I wish I had done a reread of the previous 4 books leading up this, but I didn’t, and I still loved it. In case you don’t know, the All Souls series (which started as a trilogy and has expanded into a series without an end in sight) follows talented witch and historian Diana Bishop, alongside her scientist and vampire partner Matthew Clairmont. While in previous books they have traveled time, infiltrated underground networks, and grown their formidable powers—Diana Bishop is here for a reckoning! This installment addresses questions of Diana’s Proctor line of lineage, instead of the Bishop side. Which heavily means diving into higher and darker magics. It was really good! It is every woman hitting a point in their lives where they say “fuck it” and they start living for themselves. Overall, I really liked it and I just love being with Diana and Matthew. There were some moments that felt a little forced, or rushed, to me though. This is book five, so it’s hard to dive in, but if you’ve already read up to this point, you’ll likely be reading this one as well! It definitely wasn’t my favorite, but I love this world and these characters so much! ...more
4.5 stars. Evocation is a contemporary, paranormal, sort of romance novel involving generational curses, really cool magic, secret societies and the c4.5 stars. Evocation is a contemporary, paranormal, sort of romance novel involving generational curses, really cool magic, secret societies and the complications of being a person and existing/feeling. David and Rhys used to be a couple, but now they are more like rivals in their secret occult society. Rhys went off and married a woman by the name of Moira. Imagine Rhy's shock when David reaches out to him for help in breaking a curse. Despite everything, David doesn't trust anyone the way he trusts Rhys. Hence, Rhys and Moira get pulled into David's chaotic life, on a mission to break a generations-old curse hanging over David's head before it kills him.
David is a delightful chaotic queer masterpiece of a character, who is complicated and quirky. Rhys and Moira are equally well-developed and integral to the enjoyment of this book. This book is fun and entertaining, with excellent paranormal magic! But it also doesn't shirk exploring the difficulties of navigating emotions and the complications of relationships. As one might expect from S.T. Gibson at this point, the book moves into polyamory territory. If that bothers you, then I wouldn't suggest you read this one, but if you can deal with that then I absolutely recommend it! I think I can safely say at this point that S.T. Gibson is becoming an auto-buy author for me. Love that!...more
A cozy fantasy with a similar feel to Legends & Lattes! Reyna is a loyal and talented guard to the queen, but she is tired of her taxing job. Kianthe A cozy fantasy with a similar feel to Legends & Lattes! Reyna is a loyal and talented guard to the queen, but she is tired of her taxing job. Kianthe is known as the Archandor, which is the title for the most powerful mage. Her duties are also taxing and have her constantly moving around. The two met when Kianthe was visiting the queen on business and they have been secretly dating ever since. They dream of leaving their lives behind to settle into a quiet life of opening a bookshop that also sells tea. They decide to go for it and find a small town to settle into, opening any book lover's dream shop in an old barn, with wood furnishings, plants, and tea. The townsfolk are neighborly and helpful, which is an adjustment for them both. They will encounter obstacles, like bandits and even dragons, but they can face them together and overcome challenges, big or small.
It's a lovely little slice of life fantasy! I really enjoyed the feel to this story. It's low stakes but there are some fight scenes and mysteries to be solved. Reyna and Kianthe will have to compromise, adapt and find their balance if they want to succeed in their new business venture, as well as their relationship....more
This book has been on my list for a long time and I finally just decided to read it! I’m so glad I did and now, I can look forward to the next book. TThis book has been on my list for a long time and I finally just decided to read it! I’m so glad I did and now, I can look forward to the next book. The premise reminds me of me of The Umbrella Academy or the X-men, but in the 1800’s England/Scotland with fedoras and tea. Really it’s just the whole “a school for extraordinary children with abilities” thing. We meet two children, Charlie and Marlowe, who are different. One cannot be irreversibly harmed, as he always heals himself. And the other glows with a blue light and can mend or melt skin. We meet investigators whose job it is to track down children, called the Talents, who have extraordinary abilities and bring them back to the Cairndale Institute outside of Edinburgh. As it turns out, they are also being hunted by a shadowy figure of a man.
For a book that is on the longer side, I’d say the excitement and suspense was mostly kept up. I think some things here and there could have been shortened a bit, but overall it was well paced and mapped out. I adored both the concept and the characters and there were some surprises along the way. The ending was enough wrap up and cliffhanger to make me satisfied, but looking forward to more!
Overall I liked this book and will absolutely be looking forward to the rest of the trilogy! ...more
3.5 stars. Roos has a spirit companion named Ruth who is attached to her. No one can see Ruth but her. Her "mamma" uses Roos and Ruth, forcing them in3.5 stars. Roos has a spirit companion named Ruth who is attached to her. No one can see Ruth but her. Her "mamma" uses Roos and Ruth, forcing them into performing seances and pretending that Roos is speaking with the client's dearly departed. This is how they make money. While Ruth is a spirit and can take over Roos's body and perform tricks to make it look like Roos is really communing with others, it's not real. When wealthy widow Agnes comes, she decides to take Roos with her to live in her home as she also has a spirit companion. The two women connect on many levels. The story is told interspersed with doctor case notes who are evaluating Roos after the events of the book to gauge whether she is insane or not.
Honestly, the first roughly 70% I was disappointed. A lot of boring nothing happened. I was surprised as this book seemed like it was going to be so good. THEN we get more exciting and psychological. The last roughly 30% the story really picks up, but so does the psychological aspect. I wound up really liking it towards the end. Landed on 3.5 stars because of the weak start for majority of the book. It leaves some interesting lingering questions. And I am curious to know if readers think Ruth is real, or just in Roos's head. ...more
3.5 stars. Having read Rachel's more recent books and working my way backwards through her publications maybe wasn't the best tactic, because it's cle3.5 stars. Having read Rachel's more recent books and working my way backwards through her publications maybe wasn't the best tactic, because it's clear to me how her writing has matured and improved (which I do mean as a compliment.) That being said, I still overall definitely enjoyed this book! Annie moves to a new town for a fresh start and true split from her ex-boyfriend. Sophie, a beautiful and confident woman, takes an immediate liking to Annie and takes her under her wing. After some strange observations, it becomes clear that there is more to Sophie. The townies fear her, she has spiders as pets, she takes whatever she wants from the local stores, and is apparently much older than she appears. In this non-traditional witchy story, runs themes of women's autonomy, finding self-love, how relationships can hold you back from who you really are, and female friendship. We follow Annie on her journey of learning how to start living for herself. It was good! I felt like I wanted more and that it could have been taken to more intense places with a slightly more exciting plot. But still good, and still got the points across. Ralph is absolutely the best and you will know once you read it!!!...more
My WoT journey continues with book three, The Dragon Reborn. This was definitely my favorite so far! Rand, being the dragon reborn, surprisingly playsMy WoT journey continues with book three, The Dragon Reborn. This was definitely my favorite so far! Rand, being the dragon reborn, surprisingly plays a smaller role in this one and gets little page time. Which was nice because the scope of the series is enlarged with focus on other characters and multiple plots developing. And it gets good!!! Rand, able to access the One Power but not able to control it, is a bit freaked out about being the Dragon reborn. So he runs off on a quest to prove to himself once and for all if he really is. Perrin, Moiraine, Lan and the Ogier Loial (who I adore) are in pursuit of him. Meanwhile, Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve rush Mat to Tar Valon in hopes to heal him from a fatal sickness. However, rumors of the Black Ajah prove to be true making their entrance into Tar Valon perhaps more deadly than Mat’s affliction.
It’s too difficult to go into detail with such massive and detailed books. But it was nice to move away from Rand and start developing and traversing multiple plot paths. Obviously these paths will be converging and are connected, but this is where I felt like the story gets big. Because it’s multiple stories, in a massive world, and they may not connect for many books to come. I thought the pacing was faster in this one, which was nice. But it’s the focus on Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve that I really loved. This storyline has me excited. Absolutely loved this installment! Looking forward to continuing this journey....more
4.5 stars! Elantris was Sanderson's first published novel, so it was interesting to go back and read that after reading some of his later works first.4.5 stars! Elantris was Sanderson's first published novel, so it was interesting to go back and read that after reading some of his later works first. I was, however, not disappointed at all. Sanderson is, without a doubt, the absolute master of intricate and wildly creative magic systems. Elantris was once a city of Gods, whose white hair and glowing skin were radiant, and magic unparalleled. It was a place of wealth, healing and decadence and the surrounding area flourished. When what is believed to be a curse hit Elantris, the mighty fall. The Elantrians who were once worshipped became weak and literally decaying. They were cast out, locked behind the walls of Elantris, feared and disgusted. The Shaod, the transformation process turning people into Elantrians, became everyone's biggest fear--a fate worse than death. Arelon, the city surrounding Elantris, also began to fall into poverty. Prince Raoden, loved by his people, falls victim to the Shaod and is locked away in Elantris but is declared dead by his King father to the people. His widow, Sarene, must play a game of politics with the Arelon nobility if she wants to stop Arelon from falling into the hands of the Fjordell empire. Hrathen, a priest of the Shu-Dereth religion from Fjordell, comes to Arelon with the sole mission of converting the Arelons before war befalls the land. Raoden, Sarene and Hrathen are the three POVs that feed us the story.
There is, as expected from Sanderson, no concise way to sum up the world and story. There is so much more to it than what I just stated! His ability to write characters that are fully fleshed out and draw you in, is unreal. Raoden is immediately likeable. He does not despair or wallow in self-pity, he instead looks to inspire hope in all those around him, create solutions, and make the best of whatever situation is at hand. Sarene is a strong female character by using her fierce intellect and wit. She doesn't have to be snarky or a physical fighter, she is simply brilliant and outwits the men around her. And Hrathen seems like a villain, but is he really? He believes in his religion and is trying to hold onto it. Religion plays a big role in this story and provides food for thought. Naturally, there is a wild magic system of writing symbols in the air called Aons, and a life force that feeds the magic called AonDor. Perhaps my favorite aspect were the Seons, balls of sentient light that talk to you and are companions, originating from old Elantrian magic. I love a good companion creature! And of course the end, in Sanderson fashion, unspirals and blows your mind. I'm happy to have finally read this first novel, I suspect Sanderson will revisit Elantris in the future. Now that I have read this and Warbreaker, I am told I can officially start The Stormlight Archives. ...more
4.5 stars. Finished in one day! I didn’t know what this book was about at all before picking it up. I liked the title, I heard it was dark academia, i4.5 stars. Finished in one day! I didn’t know what this book was about at all before picking it up. I liked the title, I heard it was dark academia, it was just on a whim that I started it. Imagine my surprise and utter joy when I found out it was about vampires! Which I LOVE. It is a modern retelling of Carmilla, set in a prestigious college in Massachusetts. Laura joins the poetry program and is immediately thrown into a rivalry with golden girl Carmilla. Legendary Professor De Lafontaine clearly favors Carmilla over all, but when Laura impresses her with her poetry, Carmilla has a rival to contend with. A mix between rivalry and lust, the girls both hate and enjoy each other. Until the hate falls away and they just like each other, oddly making the Professor jealous. Laura quickly realizes there is more to the relationship between De Lafontaine and Carmilla—and she wants in. In a very weird and inappropriate triangle, the mix of lust, intelligence, sexual awakenings, and vampires is tantalizing.
I absolutely adored this book. First, the writing is delectable. Lush and gothic descriptions, a perfect dark mood, the competitive atmosphere of the college—it was all working for me. I also really liked Laura as a character, in both description and journey. The whole dynamic between the three women is clearly fucked, but it was super intriguing. Vampires are just so perfect. While everyone did seem weirdly nonchalant about it all as Laura’s and Carmilla’s worlds gets turns upside down, I loved every second. A sapphic and tantalizing dark academia vampire story. If I had known, I would have read it sooner! ...more
Big thanks to the author for reaching out and asking if I would review her book and providing the audiobook to me! It is available on Kindle UnlimitedBig thanks to the author for reaching out and asking if I would review her book and providing the audiobook to me! It is available on Kindle Unlimited so I listened and read along. You can read it on KU too and the audio narrator was excellent! This is, what I would describe as, a cozy fantasy. Abrax is a recluse in his big airy mansion until, one day, he gets a surprise visitor and is given a surprise gift. This surprise gift is his niece, Sancia, who he must care for after the death of his brother. Sancia forces him to change his ways and interact with the world. There are also a bunch of interesting side characters, my personal favorite is Ferrelous who was instrumental in Sancia's father's death, but I will not say how or why because spoilers. Sancia and Ferrelous develop a relationship of sorts. The world is intriguing as there are clearly a lot of different creatures and beings in it. For example, mermaids play a big role. The world isn't fully explained but slowly dripped to readers in bits and pieces. Which creates a ton of intrigue but perhaps a slight bit of confusion as well. The writing is very well done; it reads like an epic fantasy in certain structure and word choice, yet has more of a cozy fantasy feel. There are inferences on family and found family and an undercurrent of hope runs through the story, in my opinion. I have highlighted a bunch of good quotes, but one of my favorites is, "--wherever you are planted, even if it is in poor soil, you have the ability to make it rich again." Overall I rather enjoyed this book and the ending left me wanting to read the next installment. It's not an overly exciting plot, it's calm and quaint, but sometimes that's nice! ...more