Loved the romance but the story really dragged on for me. There were a lot of good moments and tense scenes. But also A LOT of repetitive con3.5 stars
Loved the romance but the story really dragged on for me. There were a lot of good moments and tense scenes. But also A LOT of repetitive conversations and internal dilemmas. ...more
lol that ended way earlier than I was expecting because apparently the last 10% is bonus content
I really enjoyed the new perspective on Euge4.5 stars
lol that ended way earlier than I was expecting because apparently the last 10% is bonus content
I really enjoyed the new perspective on Eugenides. I think it was a brilliant choice to focus this story on how he is perceived at court rather than on his own feelings or schemes. From the previous books readers know enough to suspect a hidden agenda but we’re left in suspense because of the limited POVs. ...more
The Fox Wife is a historical fantasy about a grieving mother on a quest for vengeance and a detective obsessed with fox spirits. This book ba4.5 stars
The Fox Wife is a historical fantasy about a grieving mother on a quest for vengeance and a detective obsessed with fox spirits. This book balances heavier topics such as grief and morality with the whimsy and playful nature of its fox spirit characters.
Historical events and the tides of revolution whisper in the background of this story. However, much like the long-lived foxes, the book is not interested in these events. The Fox Wife is a slower story motivated by its rich, distinct characters and their emotional pasts. Snow is a really compelling main character. Her behavior and narration were uncannily fox-like which made for a really fun reading experience. I was less interested in Bao’s half of the story. I didn’t find him particularly interesting, however, his investigation into a mysterious death rumored to involve fox spirits leads to intriguing reveals related to the main story. I love how almost every detail of the story eventually becomes relevant as the full picture of Snow’s past is revealed.
There is a tiny romance subplot that I found so satisfying. I found it really appropriate that it didn’t take up much of the story but still captured my heart.
The Fox Wife is a quiet, lovely exploration of the myth of the fox spirit. I would highly recommend the audiobook if you are interested. The author is the narrator and she does an excellent job capturing the distinct personalities of her characters.
I feel like we kind of already saw this story earlier in the series. But regardless I thought it was clever! I think I’m done with this series now.3.5
I feel like we kind of already saw this story earlier in the series. But regardless I thought it was clever! I think I’m done with this series now. I’m just never wowed. ...more
I enjoy Lucy Foley’s mystery formula with everything slowly coming together. But I can’t say the story itself interested me that much in this o3? 3.5?
I enjoy Lucy Foley’s mystery formula with everything slowly coming together. But I can’t say the story itself interested me that much in this one. It was worth finishing for the turns it took towards the end. ...more
The Warm Hands of Ghosts is a hauntingly beautiful novel about the horrors of WWI and the bond between siblings. Though it took me a bit to get into tThe Warm Hands of Ghosts is a hauntingly beautiful novel about the horrors of WWI and the bond between siblings. Though it took me a bit to get into the story, once the fantastical elements were introduced I did not want to put it down. I would highly recommend this book to people looking for a darker twist on Addie and Luc’s dynamic in The Invisible Life of Addie Larue.
I am obsessed with the way that the two timelines slowly twine together as the story progresses. The slight differences in the timelines of each perspective preserve a constant sense of tension. Pieces of the past are revealed but certain characters’ fates remain a mystery until the very end. The dark magic of a forgotten god subtly links both of our main characters and it was so satisfying to see how everything connected in the end.
The Warm Hands of Ghosts provides fascinating commentary on grief, trauma, and the way different people were touched by the horrors of the war. The fantastical elements are a uniquely interesting vehicle for these themes and conversations.
There were a lot of different elements in play by the end of the book. Though I found them all interesting for various reasons, I don't know if they all fit together. Some elements felt rushed or underdeveloped which made the ending feel a little bit unsatisfying.
The Hedge Witch of Foxhall is an incredibly charming YA fantasy inspired by Welsh folklore. The story is filled with strong-willed characters3.5 stars
The Hedge Witch of Foxhall is an incredibly charming YA fantasy inspired by Welsh folklore. The story is filled with strong-willed characters and whimsical magic in a world where greed is driving magic out of the land. I really loved the first half of the story, but the introduction of a love-triangle completely ruined the second half.
I love Ffion as a main character. She is feisty and determined to do what is right. I loved exploring how her relationship with magic contrasted with the coven witches of Foxhall. The princes Taliesin and Dafydd are both intriguing characters and I think there was a lot of potential to explore their relationship as brothers and their attitudes towards the crown. These themes are present in the story, but they are overshadowed by an incredibly bizarre love triangle.
The love triangle completely derailed the second half of the story. It made no sense, caused illogical conflict between the characters, and led to some extremely out-of-character behavior. It took away from the story to have something so ridiculous, and ultimately pointless, dominate the plot.
Though The Hedge Witch of Foxhall kind of went downhill as it progressed, I did love the two finale moments. They were really touching and suited the characters well.
I would highly recommend this to people newer to YA fantasy, but if you are typically bothered by love triangles it may have to be an avoid for you.
An enchanting epistolary story that slowly reveals its secrets. More than just a romantic tale between scholars, this story explores a range of emotioAn enchanting epistolary story that slowly reveals its secrets. More than just a romantic tale between scholars, this story explores a range of emotional character relationships. The full cast audiobook adds vivid personality to the various characters whose letters make up the book. I really enjoyed this and I am curious to see how the story progresses in the sequel.
This was fine? I listened to everyone in my comments and read this before picking up Network Effect. Murderbots snark was incredible as always but 3.5
This was fine? I listened to everyone in my comments and read this before picking up Network Effect. Murderbots snark was incredible as always but this kind of just felt like more of the same. ...more
I really loved the romance, the characters, and the banter. But the actual plot I was not convinced by. Especially toward the end where it just got frI really loved the romance, the characters, and the banter. But the actual plot I was not convinced by. Especially toward the end where it just got frustrating and overly dramatic. Also could’ve been shorter.
So it’s a bit of a mixed experience but I’m definitely going to continue the series. ...more