I'm not usually a reader of cozy anything really, but I loved Legends and Lattes, and so when Hannaford offered me an early copy of her new book, UnfaI'm not usually a reader of cozy anything really, but I loved Legends and Lattes, and so when Hannaford offered me an early copy of her new book, Unfamiliared, I jumped at the chance. I liked it so much that I since bought it at WorldCon in Glasgow where it was officially launched, and I loved my second read even more.
Sometimes life is tough enough, and you just want to read something with low stakes, adorable animal companions, a quaint fantasy town and a dollop of charming, British humour. On top of that, Unfamiliared offers two of my favourite tropes: found family, and working together & supporting each other to make the world a better place.
If you love cozy fantasy, I highly recommend reading this one....more
Urban fantasy noir set in an alternative 1940s Chicago with angels, demons, and warlocks, complete with ritual murders and magic, alongside a delightfUrban fantasy noir set in an alternative 1940s Chicago with angels, demons, and warlocks, complete with ritual murders and magic, alongside a delightful lesbian romance. It sucked me right in, and I adored the main character, and the way her love was unconditional for both her brother and her partner....more
I've been waiting forever to read Gates of Sorrow, and I'm so excited it's finally out that I'm interrupting marinading my chicken for today's dinner I've been waiting forever to read Gates of Sorrow, and I'm so excited it's finally out that I'm interrupting marinading my chicken for today's dinner just so I can come yell at you all about these incredibly good dogs, and dare I say good cats, wait, dragons. My bad. They're dragons!
I love fantasy with animal companions, but there's so much more to be found in these books. Besides the good boys, this series contains many of my favourite things like star gates (I'm a sucker for portals to anywhere), dragons, found family (one of my favourite tropes), magic, but the most important aspect are the telepathic hounds. (I'm sorry...)
In fact, if you like the way Hobb portrays animal companionship, I'm confident you will love this world. Not only are the moonhounds and dragons incredibly well written, but I simply adore the way the companions and their bonded humans communicate, using pictures instead of spoken words.
Since this is the second book, I'm not going to say anything about the plot or the characters (but Elissa is still my favourite of the three).
This isn't a dark series, that's not to say bad things don't happen, but overall the tone remains hopeful, and it reminds me of the adventure stories I used to devour as a child.
I can't wait to see what's in store for these characters, and I hope Hannaford has a happy ending in mind for them....more
The previous series was such a fun and heart-warming cozy series. You can check out the omnibus here, if you're looking for a I'm glad Maddie is back.
The previous series was such a fun and heart-warming cozy series. You can check out the omnibus here, if you're looking for a feel-good adventure romp: Magical Artifacts Institute: The Complete Series
Medina's books have everything I like about urban fantasy: a sassy main character (who is actually funny), fae, magical artefacts and dorky pets.
The author has an incredible voice, filled with quirky banter, and it makes her work shine.
This is the perfect quick read for a rainy or sunny afternoon....more
These Violent Delights is not bad, I just never managed to emotionally connect with literally anything that was going on in this book. A monster in 2.5
These Violent Delights is not bad, I just never managed to emotionally connect with literally anything that was going on in this book. A monster in 1920's Shanghai? Rival gangs? Should have been exciting, but somehow wasn't. A Romeo and Juliet retelling? Should have been right up my alley, but I didn't root for them. I didn't root for anyone. Someone could have taken this book away from me halfway through, and I wouldn't have protested. On a positive note, Gong's prose kept me engaged and was the only reason I didn't stop reading....more
The Thief is an incredibly charming book, reminiscent of traditional classic fantasy. While the overly long travel sequence didn't bore me, and I enjoThe Thief is an incredibly charming book, reminiscent of traditional classic fantasy. While the overly long travel sequence didn't bore me, and I enjoyed how it all came together at the end, The Thief didn't really surprise or wow me, but it was an enjoyable read, and I will continue the series.
I grabbed this today for my kindle and since I'm recovering from food poisoning figured I may as well read it straight away. It's a clever story, toldI grabbed this today for my kindle and since I'm recovering from food poisoning figured I may as well read it straight away. It's a clever story, told from the point of view of a freshly turned zombie, who got bitten at a supermarket (Tescos) checkout. Oh and his girlfriend turned into a witch. There's also dragons, vampires, ghosts and there's the Switch Day that started it all: the day all electricity and batteries failed to work and people suddenly weren't themselves anymore. A lovely bunch of likeable characters, a special kind of road trip, amusing writing, a bit silly, yet serious. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Merged review:
I grabbed this today for my kindle and since I'm recovering from food poisoning figured I may as well read it straight away. It's a clever story, told from the point of view of a freshly turned zombie, who got bitten at a supermarket (Tescos) checkout. Oh and his girlfriend turned into a witch. There's also dragons, vampires, ghosts and there's the Switch Day that started it all: the day all electricity and batteries failed to work and people suddenly weren't themselves anymore. A lovely bunch of likeable characters, a special kind of road trip, amusing writing, a bit silly, yet serious. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Merged review:
I grabbed this today for my kindle and since I'm recovering from food poisoning figured I may as well read it straight away. It's a clever story, told from the point of view of a freshly turned zombie, who got bitten at a supermarket (Tescos) checkout. Oh and his girlfriend turned into a witch. There's also dragons, vampires, ghosts and there's the Switch Day that started it all: the day all electricity and batteries failed to work and people suddenly weren't themselves anymore. A lovely bunch of likeable characters, a special kind of road trip, amusing writing, a bit silly, yet serious. I thoroughly enjoyed myself....more
Disclaimer: I worked on this book as a (hopefully) helpful alpha reader, and this series is very dear to my heart, but my review is, as always, honestDisclaimer: I worked on this book as a (hopefully) helpful alpha reader, and this series is very dear to my heart, but my review is, as always, honest.
I can confidently say that this book does not suffer from middle book syndrome. It's better than The Iron Crown.
I won't talk too much about the actual plot because it's a sequel, but I do have a few thoughts about some of these characters.
Firstly, they really get to grow, especially Torsten and Calidra. Secondly, we get to know them better, especially Selys, who I originally wasn't that interested in, and Jisyel.
I was a fan of Torsten in the first book already, but here he really stood out to me as a morally grey, conflicted person, who is trying to be dutiful, but also cares so very much about his brother, a dying dragon spirit.
Calidra, on the other hand, must learn that she cannot control everything, and that sometimes it's better to let go. I adore the way MacRae explores the dynamic between the two estranged siblings who both grew up with an abusive mother. They carry a lot of emotional baggage, and I love them to bits.
And then there's Fenn. Fenn, my dear, Fenn. I wanted to smack the man, but bless him, he tries, unaware just how much he's fumbling around in the dark.
In The Iron Crown we meet a handful of powerful dragon spirits. Some are mischievous, some are more powerful than others, some are not what I would call pleasant, others are entirely benevolent. In The Shadow Gate, we get to see even more of these spirits, and it's really one of the aspects I enjoy the most about this series, and this time around they get to fight.
Epic dragon battles? Yes, please.
MacRae's writing is fantastic and has evolved even more. I love watching an author grow. She has a strong and distinct voice and the ability to seamlessly weave her world-building into action in order to avoid info dumps.
Overall, The Shadow Gate is an exciting sequel to The Iron Crown, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys epic fantasy with rich world-building, complex characters, and of course, dragons.
MacRae has, once again, delivered a thrilling and engaging adventure, and I can't wait to see where the series goes next....more
Gates of Hope is the first book in this new trilogy by J.E. Hannaford called Aulirean Gates.
Full disclosure: I read an early version of this book, andGates of Hope is the first book in this new trilogy by J.E. Hannaford called Aulirean Gates.
Full disclosure: I read an early version of this book, and I'm friends with the author, but my review is fair and all thoughts are my own. I will be buying this upon release for my collection.
I'm simple. I hear the word "gates" (portals? I love portals! Give me portals! More portals, please) and I see a hint of a good boy, and perhaps some dragons in space, and I'm there.
Looking at the cover, you'll spot Star, the Moonhound, and you'll be pleased to hear that he is indeed a very good boy. I feel like when it comes to the magic, you mostly need to know one thing: it's possible, at least for some people in this world, to telepathically connect with the Moonhounds. Surely, that alone makes this a must-buy?
While the worldbuilding is fascinating, and I do so love the concept of gates connecting worlds, Hannaford's newest effort is primarily character-driven.
There are three main characters, Darin, Suriin, and Elissa. Two of them are quite young, only just embarking on their journey, and as a result I'd call Gates of Hope a coming of age fantasy. And because I'm rather old and grumpy, my favourite character turned out to be Elissa.
Elissa is strong, stubborn, grew up in captivity, but never let it break her spirit. My kind of character.
This isn't a dark book, that's not to say bad things don't happen, but overall the tone remains hopeful and it reminds me of the adventure stories I used to devour as a child.
I can't wait to see what's in store for these character and am eagerly awaiting the sequel....more
I don't really know how to rate Of Blood and Fire.
I really enjoy watching an author grow, and pointing out all the shortcomings of a debut feels like I don't really know how to rate Of Blood and Fire.
I really enjoy watching an author grow, and pointing out all the shortcomings of a debut feels like being unnecessarily mean, but on the other hand there were things I didn't enjoy about this book...
The prose is rough around the edges, and at times it really didn't work for me.
There were a few random point of view changes that didn't add much to the story (one even felt completely out of the blue with not much set-up), and some of the characters didn't feel as fleshed out as they could have been. Most were lacking depth, something that I'm hopeful will change as Cahill grows as an author.
There was one death in particular that just didn't move me even though it probably should have.
The story is a blend of WOT, Eragon and other classic fantasy and doesn't offer anything new. (To be fair, it doesn't have to.)
This is an epic fantasy tale with all the traditional elements of (high) fantasy: dragons, elves, dwarves, kings, wolf-companions, 'surprise, you're a mage', and farm boys from a small village that end up being the heroes.
If you're a fan of traditional classic fantasy, you will love this one.
Basically, Of Blood and Fire is a promising beginning, and I reckon Cahill's career is one to watch.
Despite all its flaws I found Of Blood and Fire compelling enough to continue reading, and I will read the second book, too. In fact, I've already downloaded it onto my Kindle.
This is a series with incredible potential, and as I said at the start, I enjoy watching an author grow....more
It's rare that I get hyped about announced books, mostly because I'm usually years behind with my reading, bu...and now the gods want their bones back
It's rare that I get hyped about announced books, mostly because I'm usually years behind with my reading, but also because my tbr is the height of Mount Everest...
I was a beta-reader for this book, and I'm friends with the author. That, however, doesn't change or influence how much I love this series.
Besides, myI was a beta-reader for this book, and I'm friends with the author. That, however, doesn't change or influence how much I love this series.
Besides, my gf bought The Children of Chaos on release day, and is now spamming me with live commentary while reading it. She's loving it.
This book does not suffer from middle-book syndrome and that is all you really need to know, so if you like steampunk/gaslamp and British things like biscuits and tea, go ahead, buy it now, and read this series because it's worth it. I swear.
The world-building. Seriously. The world-building...
Skies created twelve domains, ruled by twelve gods, and inhabited by twelve mortal races. And in this book we get to explore the domains.
I could just see Netflix pick this one up and set each episode in a different domain and I wouldn't care if they just strolled along a path for forty-five minutes because the domains are just THAT interesting.
Each domain is its own little world, worthy of its own stories. They are incredibly developed, original, and display Skies' endless imagination.
The Children of Chaos is a tad darker, definitely dirtier, and is filled with a lot more explicit language.
And that fits the development of the story.
Personally, I don't like Jinx (that's not to say she's not an excellent character), but Kayl and Quen continue to steal the show and my heart.
And then there is Ben, a Diviner that works for Quen, and of all the new characters Skies introduced in this sequel, Ben is my favourite. Why? Read it and find out. Just kidding. It's Ben's complicated relationship with his god that made him so interesting.
The writing is incredibly...British. It's devilishly charming and witty. I adore Skies' prose.
I cannot wait for the next book and as I said further above, give this one a chance, especially now that the first book is a finalist in 2022's SPFBO competition.
A time loop, a student who has to improve rapidly in order to save his world, and a fascinating magic system make Mother of Learning's firs4.5 Stars.
A time loop, a student who has to improve rapidly in order to save his world, and a fascinating magic system make Mother of Learning's first book an absolute treat to read.
Yes, it started out as a web serial, but if that's the reason you haven't tried this series and you like progression fantasy and time loops, please don't let this deter you.
This book is pure fun! And so incredibly gripping. I basically devoured it, reading on my phone whenever I possibly could.
No, the prose isn't the best I've ever seen, but it's easily accessible and flows nicely. There isn't a lot of worldbuilding either, most of the plot unfolds in one place, and there is limited scope. And since this story is set in a time loop, the characters don't grow all that much either.
The pacing, however, is incredible. The plot is tight, clever, and the addiction factor high. The stakes are high, and the main character is intelligent and fairly mature.
Recommended to fans of progression fantasy....more
Right, so...I love Stephen King. I do think I have to open with that because if you're looking for your first King book, Fairy Tale is definitely not Right, so...I love Stephen King. I do think I have to open with that because if you're looking for your first King book, Fairy Tale is definitely not the one to pick. Go read The Stand, It, or Pet Sematary.
The first 150 pages or so are just a kid meeting a man with a dog and the whole fairy tale aspect of the book doesn't start until a third in. Those first 150 or so pages could be summarised in 4 sentences, and if I didn't love King's characters, I probably would have put the book down.
Then, Charlie, the 17 year-old boy or the 29 year-old adult (who is telling the story) really sounds like a 70 year-old man. No, Steve, this isn't how any of us spoke in 2010. I promise. We didn't even speak like this in the 90's.
But I loved Fairy Tale. It's charming at times, a bit bloody as well, the characters are loveable, the fantasy world is fascinating and the plot oscillates between delightful and awfully tense.
I received a copy from the publisher. My reviews are always honest.
I've been following R.R. Virdi's inspiring journey for a while now and have been eaI received a copy from the publisher. My reviews are always honest.
I've been following R.R. Virdi's inspiring journey for a while now and have been eagerly awaiting this release.
I have also been in a reading slump for months, basically for most of 2022, and I was worried that I wouldn't manage to tackle this 800 page book, but the opening drew me in right away, and I rarely looked up to check Twitter on my phone. That's a rarity nowadays.
The First Binding is the first novel in a new epic fantasy series, Tales of Tremaine, infused with South Asian world-building elements, and if you've read The Name of the Wind, you will without a doubt compare the two.
The opening and pacing in general is slow. Virdi takes great care to build the characters, world, and plot without rushing, but at no point did I feel impatient. On the contrary, I enjoyed every single tangent Ari, the Storyteller, takes the reader on.
Virdi uses, much like Rothfuss, a frame narrative. At the beginning Ari arrives in an inn, just like Kvothe, and ends up telling his story. Told in first person, The First Binding jumps back and forth between the past and the present, but there isn't just a story within a story, several narratives are woven through the main plot, and I found all of them gripping.
The world-building and magic system are rich and immersive, and Virdi's prose is beautiful, even lyrical at times. Ari is a fascinating character, flawed, troubled, impulsive and can't keep his mouth shut, but he's also caring.
There is a magic school (of course) and I'm not a huge fan of that setting or the coming-of-age theme, but this is mostly a novel about stories and storytelling, and the emphasis lies more on the importance of found family, friendship and kindness.
I highly recommend The First Binding to every epic fantasy fan and am assuming that in a decade it'll be remembered as one of the cornerstones of this genre....more
As an avid Bloodborne...addict, this was one of the best books I've read in 2021. I'm not exaggerating, this book made me feel...things.
At times, it fAs an avid Bloodborne...addict, this was one of the best books I've read in 2021. I'm not exaggerating, this book made me feel...things.
At times, it felt as though Nathan Hall had written this book specifically for me. Admittedly, that thought is a bit creepy, but...somehow that book was exactly what I wanted it to be.
The prose is exquisite (truly), the world-building while definitely inspired by the Dark Souls games is unique, and the atmosphere, oh the atmosphere...
I breathed this book! I lived this book.
It's rare, at least now that I'm an adult and my brain is racked by the constant reminders of endless responsibilities, that a book simply absorbs me.
I didn't want to look up, I didn't want to stop!
The pacing is...a bit like playing a Dark Souls game. You have to work for it, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. This isn't a book to be devoured in a few hours, it's to be relished, slowly, while sipping something warming.
The only slump I found noticeable was shortly after the halfway point: the pacing had slowed, my initial excitement died down and just for a brief moment, I found myself...dare I say, struggling?
By that point the protagonist had died a dozen times and was one or two deaths away from being consumed by madness, and it occurred to me that perhaps...perhaps Nathan Hall had slowed the pace on purpose.
Right at that point, my mindset mirrored the protagonist's. Frustrated, itching to try again, itching to succeed. Onwards! What a book!
Whether you're a fan of the Souls games or just like dark atmospheric fantasy, do yourself a favour and give this one a try....more
The Fall is set 400 years before Cahill's debut novel Of Blood And Fire. It's available for free if you sign up to his email list! An enjoyable intro The Fall is set 400 years before Cahill's debut novel Of Blood And Fire. It's available for free if you sign up to his email list! An enjoyable intro to a promising fantasy world!...more
If I had to describe Spellslinger in one word: FUN! (So much fun!)
Excellent characters, intriguing character growth and arcs, exciting world building,If I had to describe Spellslinger in one word: FUN! (So much fun!)
Excellent characters, intriguing character growth and arcs, exciting world building, a clever magic system, distinct prose, an amusing narrator, this fantasy adventure has it all, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!...more
Multifaceted and visceral are probably the two most accurate words to describe this SPFBO grimdark fantasy finalist.
Legacy of the Brightwash offers a Multifaceted and visceral are probably the two most accurate words to describe this SPFBO grimdark fantasy finalist.
Legacy of the Brightwash offers a noir mystery, a tender romance, and an intriguing magic system all tied together by a healthy dose of political intrigue.
It’s an impressive debut with incredibly well-developed characters (that leave a lasting impression on the reader,) rich world-building and it asks harrowing ethical questions like, what if the law and everything you ever believed in was wrong?
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