This tale will linger with me like the smell of good, fresh brewed coffee. There’s something about Hayse that truly captures theMasterful. Beautiful.
This tale will linger with me like the smell of good, fresh brewed coffee. There’s something about Hayse that truly captures the Wild, the Free, the Untamed. Her love for the Old West and the people who braved it is so genuine that you can’t help but feel it too.
I recommend this to anyone. Even if you don’t think you like Westerns all that well, you ought to try it.
If you go in expecting tons of fantasy elements from this Fantasy Western, know that the fantasy elements are very low. For the most part it’s just a light King Arthur retelling in an alternative world to ours, and the dinosaurs are still roaming the land (which there are legends of that from our own cowboys). BUT there is a fantastical moment in the story that is just SO GOOD.
Things I Especially Liked: The Swift Brothers. Bless them. The Auki Nation. So cool. Horses NOT dying. Hayse gets me.
Things I Ground My Teeth Over: Maria Pike checking out Max Swift. Ma’am, do you and I need to have a discussion out in the pit?
Honestly, the more I stare at this cover, the more beautiful it is, and the more I want it on my shelf.
Update:
Well, now that cover is on my shelf, andHonestly, the more I stare at this cover, the more beautiful it is, and the more I want it on my shelf.
Update:
Well, now that cover is on my shelf, and the content therein is beautiful too! I fell in love with the land and the writing in the first book, but now I’m emOtionALLy INveSteD in these characters. Help, because I’ve started Book 3, and I’m scared. ...more
This volume is all about the HEART. The incredible struggle we have against our fears, our failures, the l-SCREECHING-
BEST ONE YET, BEST ONE YET.
Sob.
This volume is all about the HEART. The incredible struggle we have against our fears, our failures, the life we’ve been given, and the fate we are headed towards. It considers what attitude we should bear to such things. How to handle hardship with grace or with frustration, and that the difference in doing so will make or break your life.
As Link’s heart is restored and realigned with his true values, we once again see that real heroes are not about fame or fortune, but helping people, whether that’s defending them with a sword or comforting them with a much-needed hug.
Okay, okay, so there is no further explaining my feelings for this volume without diving into major spoiler territory. So you are warned.
First of all.
THE HERO OF TIME, THE HERO OF TIME, YES YES YES. I LOVE HIS MENTORSHIP OF TWILIGHT SO MUCH. And by the end of the volume, we get flashbacks to Ocarina of Time and ahhhhhhhh, it’s so epic!
This Zelda actually displays a power related to wisdom or at least knowledge, which is super cool.
Also!!!! Ganondorf is annoyed with the never-ending struggle of the triforce and straight up suggests to Zelda that they could work together? I always thought stuff like that was pure fan-conjecture but here it is! Of course, Ganondorf is up to no good and has made it clear he isn’t interested in full unity, but just getting Zelda to join forces with him against the “Lord Hero.” Seriously, Ganondorf, you just gave Link the coolest title ever....more
Well, what can I say? How can I describe to you the amount of pride and happiness I feel to see people finally reading and appreciating characters I hWell, what can I say? How can I describe to you the amount of pride and happiness I feel to see people finally reading and appreciating characters I have known for seven years. Yes, that's how long Bryn and I have been writing partners, and I've yearned that long for other people to appreciate her genius.
Watching these characters and stories grow has been a true delight, and this small novel is but a taste of the rich world and stunning soul to come. And speaking of taste, you eat food with your eyes first, yes? Presentation is half the flavor? This applies to writing as well, and boooooooooy, Bryn Shutt excels with decoration, composition, and substance.
ALSO IT HAS ALL MY BOYS. You want stories with men that feel real, but also admirable? Here you go. Take it. TAKE IT!!!
Target Audience: Adult, but suitable for mature teens. Content: Clean, but semi-dark cause real world troubles with fallen man. Message: Hope in troubling times....more
Yes, my brilliant writing partner has finally released a story. A short story but packed with all that wit, philosophy, humor, heart, and knowledge thYes, my brilliant writing partner has finally released a story. A short story but packed with all that wit, philosophy, humor, heart, and knowledge that I treasure her for.
Don't miss this delicious and satisfying short story that will one day open into a much larger world! (Of which I am very fond.) ...more
Absolutely gorgeous. Also, best food descriptions I’ve read in a while. So long as one can stomach a pretty intense and violent climax, I recommend thAbsolutely gorgeous. Also, best food descriptions I’ve read in a while. So long as one can stomach a pretty intense and violent climax, I recommend this to basically everyone. Full review to come soon! ...more
After reading this for the third or fourth time, I am pleased to see my deep love and appreciation of this brilliant tale has not changed a bit, but rAfter reading this for the third or fourth time, I am pleased to see my deep love and appreciation of this brilliant tale has not changed a bit, but rather grown. I’m not sure I can express my admiration, but I shall try in a very spoilery review. If you haven’t read this series, I suggest avoiding the spoilers (even the book summaries of you can) and just diving in. If you find Book 1 too slow (which many do), I have no issue recommending starting with book 2.
(view spoiler)[ Eugenides and Irene. My favorite book couple in literature, and the greatest example of a power couple I have ever seen. I’m not a huge fan of enemies to lovers, but there is something so different about them, so complicated and powerful.
Megan Whalen Turner has a very unique omniscient narrative, and at times she will tell you things that don’t seem to matter until much later, and often she won’t tell you the full truth till later in the book.
This sometimes makes aspects of the book confusing for readers, especially the nature of the relationship between the King and Queen of Attolia, but I shall do my best to explain it or at least indulge in exposition about them.
Dear Eugenides. Dear Gen. He never fails to shock readers every book, so I’ve seen many readers call his declaration of love at the end of Book 2 to be out of the blue, but it really isn’t. Gen, being an unreliable narrator, just kept us true feelings hidden throughout the book, but if you read it again, signs are there. Gen loves doing the impossible, and he did the impossible again by falling in love with the Queen of Attolia.
Attolia is terrifying.
Honestly, all those “imperious” and “powerful” heroines in most YA literature pale in comparison to this woman. The rightful ruler of her country, she poisoned her first husband and bought the loyalty of her guard with gold and her natural command. As Azula says, “True Power, the divine right to rule, is something you are born with,” and no queen displays this better. She rules her country of squabbling barons with a ruthless and clever hand, demanding respect, fear, and awe from any who dare to oppose her. She will not hesitate to execute traitors or torture spies. She is QUEEN.
But Eugenides knows something everyone else has forgotten. He knows that she is human. He saw it when he spied her dancing all alone in the orange grove, and her hidden heart is the greatest treasure he has ever stolen.
He knows that her ruthlessness is a desperate grasp to keep her country safe, but he also knows it will destroy her. So he became king and confident, secretly maneuvering the intrigue of her court in a way to aid her, and always there to be the one to stop her from making a merciless decision that her survival instinct suggests, but that her heart will surely regret.
Attolia wants Gen to be king. Not just of her country, but the leading figurehead. She’s led her country as far as she can, but she knows the barons need to be united under a king if they are to survive the impending war from a much more powerful empire. She’s not one of those woman who is afraid to have her power taken away by her husband, she recognizes it will make both of them stronger. She wants Eugenides to take control, but he is having none of it, and she can’t order him, because if he obeyed her, it would just prove her power, not his.
If Gen is determined to bring out Attolia’s humanity, she is just as determined to bring out his inner sovereign.
Unlike other YA books or really any stories about royalty these days, when the horror and difficulty of sovereignty is revealed, the answer isn’t to start a republic/democracy and let the little royal skip away to their happy little life. This tale reminds that to be a great ruler, one must sacrifice one’s self. Gen isn’t really happy being king, he is the definition of free spirit. But he’s also smart and knows he can’t run away from fate forever, and he knows his country and his Queen needs him. He hates killing. He knows it needs to be done anyway.
Even so, Eugenides never gives up his compassion and honor, and his clever circumnavigation of being both frighting in justice AND mercy is a wonder to behold.
I could go on about how fabulous the world-building is and the politics, and I haven’t even mentioned our main POV, the honorable young guard Costis, whose blindness to the king’s true nature is the perfect canvas to paint this masterpiece.
I could go on how this book doesn’t use heaps of strong language or sexy scenes or disgusting examples of corruption to prove a point. It uses the power of suggestion and that it makes more mature than any other YA book out there, and smarter than most adults.
I could, or you could just reread it or (gasp) read it did the first time (which means you read this spoilery review, tsssk.)
Megan Whalen Turner is a MASTER and genius of literature and I cannot wait for the series finale.
So let’s just make one thing clear. I really don’t like blood and gore. I don’t like looking at disturbing images. This creates a coReview of season 1
So let’s just make one thing clear. I really don’t like blood and gore. I don’t like looking at disturbing images. This creates a conundrum because this comic is full of the aforementioned things being a crime drama/mystery, and yet, I still read it because I’m hopelessly dead-gone on Keiran, who in appearance is basically Errance’s Victorian doppelgänger. This creates a reading experience in which I swoon over images of Kieran and rush past the bloody images with my eyes squinted. ...more
When I was recommended this series, I honestly didn’t think I would love it so much. The art is so cute, but I didn’t think that style would serve an When I was recommended this series, I honestly didn’t think I would love it so much. The art is so cute, but I didn’t think that style would serve an epic story, which the summary inferred. I was wrong. It IS EPIC. However, it takes a while before you realize this, and by the time you do, you’re almost gasping for air.
First, this brilliant story is a sci-fi in a unique way. Our heroine, Any, has lived all her life in a space colony, and she is only just now moving with her family to earth. This journey requires 30 years in cyro-freezing, which means her best friends staying at the colony will be be adults when she wakes up. Despite her heartbreak on leaving her home and anxiety for the future, Any discovers the beauty of earth. Her wonder brings a fresh perspective on the everyday exquisite details we take for granted. She has an interesting way of analyzing personalities by flavors, and soon she befriends a colorful variety of characters.
But then there is Oliver. A reclusive, withdrawn boy with no flavor. Not until she glimpses him painting a mysterious portrait of the Nothing of space.
She is determined to befriend him, but little does she realizes he is entrapped in a deep government conspiracy that will soon endanger everything she loves...
I really cannot say enough how much I love this. It is full of sone of the most profound and positive messages I’ve ever encountered in a story. The character arcs are astounding. The storytelling is incredible. Oh yeah, and it’s clean, ka-ching.
It is free to read on webtoons, but there are also physical paperbacks which I am collecting....more
This was one of the first webtoons I started and it’s still one of my favorites. The ART, HALP ME, the art is phenomenal. The music kills me too.
I lovThis was one of the first webtoons I started and it’s still one of my favorites. The ART, HALP ME, the art is phenomenal. The music kills me too.
I love, ABSOLUTELY LOVE, Shon + Lyra. Hurrah for a healthy relationship that actually deals with the problems that come up. There is a love triangle, as Ian also is in love with Lyra, but Lyra has never tried to lead him on and has been firm in her feelings for Shon, which I appreciate a great deal.
But this IS a merfolk story, meaning there is a lot of skin on display (though our heroine is usually more modestly dressed than she is on this cover.) There are also several “fan-service” glamour shots, especially of the guys.
Other content warnings for language and innuendo (looking at you, Ian) and a backstory rather late into the story that alludes to an abusive marriage and adulterous feelings. Some violence and blood.
Season 1 ended on one of the best twists I have ever had the pleasure of predicting, and I cannot wait for Season 3 and the the finale! ...more
Man, I’ve been reading this one for a while, and ohhhhh, the characters. Oof. Shin-he is just such a relatable girl to so many in this age. StrugglingMan, I’ve been reading this one for a while, and ohhhhh, the characters. Oof. Shin-he is just such a relatable girl to so many in this age. Struggling with self-worth and depression. Introvert. Daughter of divorced parents, trying to help her struggling dad. Doesn’t have many friends but will fight for them. Then there’s Nol. The cheerfully annoying redhead she met who just won’t seem to leave her alone...but he hides painful secrets of his own.
This used to be labeled a romance, but it really is more of a drama, and I hear that is what the author intended. Rather than romance, it’s about life in general. The pain of all kinds of relationships, the struggles young people face to succeed, the dangers of manipulation and false fronts. A complicated family drama with the wickedest witch of a woman you ever did see.
Sometimes I’m laughing as I read it, sometimes I want to cry, sometimes I grind my teeth, and then there’s moments when I cheer. I can’t wait to see what’s ahead.
Content warnings: some pretty strong language, sometimes censored. Use the Lord’s name in vain. Mature themes involving emotional abuse, potential physical abuse, attempted grooming and attempted assault, alcohol and drugs....more
An absolutely STUNNING short story! So akin to the poetic romances of Tolkien, McDonald, Lewis and some of the great fairy-tales. The prose painted viAn absolutely STUNNING short story! So akin to the poetic romances of Tolkien, McDonald, Lewis and some of the great fairy-tales. The prose painted visions of pure beauty. Yes, I think I must do art for this, yes, I must. A beautiful , encouraging message as well.
I would describe it as a perfect latte or a perfect tea...it is a short experience, but it warms your heart and leaves you with a wonderful taste afterwards.
From the very beginning, it is crystal clear that the reader is in for a unique story. Its storytelling style is quite unlike anyIn a word? Stunning.
From the very beginning, it is crystal clear that the reader is in for a unique story. Its storytelling style is quite unlike anything I’ve read. I appreciated the “historical fragments” in between chapters that kept the reader on track rather being lost in the heroine’s confusions. I am usually frustrated when our main pov believes a bunch of lies, but it was well executed here.
The magic is also...vibrant and creative. Some of the most exquisite and ferocious magic I’ve ever seen. You know how Elsa’s snow powers are hinted to be so dangerous? Here we see an untamed, un-Disneycensored display of such devastating ability.
I adored the elves. I was really excited to hear there are elves in this story, elf slaves no less (because I love me a good fight for freedom story). And the elves here are...you guess it...unique.
Honestly, I’m not what this author feeds her imagination on because her creativity is so original and so natural all at once.
Twists I wanted came to pass and other twists left me with a slack jaw.
So why didn’t I rate it above 4 stars? Well, because while I was deeply impressed, I was also at times a little disturbed. There is murder or threat of murder staining almost every page, the violence as exquisite as it is unsettling. So for that and for some bizarreness in the magic at the end, my enjoyment was a little dampened. But that was for me personally, the writing style and story execution is definitely 5 star worthy.
Just. Wow.
Also, i would like a sequel, cause Jack. More Jack, thank you.
Who would I recommend to this to? Fans of CJ Redwine, that’s for darn sure. Anyone who is a fan of the GRIM fairytales. Anyone who really wants to take their imagination and writing level up a notch.
Who I would caution: anyone who finds blood and violence really upsetting and prefer their fairytales fluffy....more
Well. -wipes tears from face- This is a book to make you cry, sure enough. I’m not sure I would have read it if I had known how sad it was, but I can’Well. -wipes tears from face- This is a book to make you cry, sure enough. I’m not sure I would have read it if I had known how sad it was, but I can’t rate it less than 5 stars because it’s message is IMPORTANT. If I did not know better, I would have assumed this book to be an old children’s classic. It has that same intelligent, well-crafted charm. And it is one of those immensely serious children’s books that is almost harder to read as an adult. Life matters, death is never the better option, children need to be loved, selfishness is cruel, and sacrifice is beautiful. The tale of a chimney sweep girl and the golem that saves her life...
I’d planned on writing a much longer review, maybe I will have the words another time. ...more
So this is set in the same world as Steel and Fire, which I haven’t finished yet, but it doesn’t require you reading that series first to fully uWow.
So this is set in the same world as Steel and Fire, which I haven’t finished yet, but it doesn’t require you reading that series first to fully understand what’s happening here. But it WILL spoil several things from the first series, so bear that in mind.
Our story follows two very different young ladies—one a scrappy young thief who is forced to become a spy at a school of magic, the other a sensible princess tracking down her missing betrothed who had set out to discover a mysterious new source of magic.
The world-building here is a treat—all the cultures are vividly realized. And the magic system is fantastic. It’s based on elemental wielding, but the magic itself is a more powerful version of the elements...something stranger and sometimes almost sentient.
The new magical substance discovered is just...wow, it was freaky in the best of ways! Anyway, I can’t wait for the next book.
Content warnings: mainly just some violence involving some predatory large birds that kill several people. Details are kept to a minimum, but it’s gruesome to imagine. ...more
I will try to compose a full review later, but this book is written as a childhood classic. I didn’t know books could be writteBRILLIANT. I AM CRYING.
I will try to compose a full review later, but this book is written as a childhood classic. I didn’t know books could be written that way anymore. THANK YOU, Heather Dixon!!!...more
I’ve heard the name from friend after friend, the recommendations unending. And so I finally obeyed the chant, and readRomanov...Romanov...Romanov....
I’ve heard the name from friend after friend, the recommendations unending. And so I finally obeyed the chant, and read this book for myself.
To be honest, I had reservations. I desperately wanted to like it, but I also knew the true history of the Romanov family broke my heart and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to handle a book about their deaths and an explanation on how some didn’t die even though current evidence is strongly to the contrary.
However this book doesn’t try to change the history of how they died.
This book is a historical fantasy and that fantasy element does not apply only to how Anastasia “actually” lived. It adds in a completely new section of history. A faction of people called the Spell Masters, of whom in this story Rasputin is a unorthodox member with questionable methods (the man’s true character is unclear in the story, but the thoughts of him are more gracious then he actually deserves). These people have fallen out of favor in the Romanov’s fall and Lenin’s rise. Now typically, I do not appreciate magic in a world that is supposed to be ours. However the magic system was so unique and unlike anything in our actual world that I was to accept this an alternative earth. (Not everyone would probably be comfortable with this though if they dislike all types of “good” magic).
And it is in this alternative world that the Romanovs die...and the twist that results.
But enough of these tiresome explanations. It is now time to unleash my inner fangirl. Why did I love this book so much? UM. THE CHARACTERS????
Anastasia is probably the best, most believable heroine I’ve encountered...in a while (forever?) I don’t mean just that she’s likable and well-developed. I mean she could walk off the page and be my best friend. She’s mischievous, bold, compassionate, funny, frustrated, and she loves her family more than anything. She’s a sixteen year old girl struggling with a crush but not so overcome with the crush as to lose all other sense and priorities.. She’s sensible, strong, and she is fierce.
Zash....I wasn’t sure how I would like Zash. I’m not usually fond of the enemies to lovers trope, but I was eventually won over to his character for the pure humanity of his fear, mistakes, and anguish. He is a complex character looking through grey, cracked lenses. I think he was a very accurate portrayal of the confusion soldiers go through when forced to choose between duty and morality. By the time his layers were peeled back I was able to forgive him for his huge failures.
Alexei. ALEXEI. ALEXEI IS MY CHILD. I will huggle him, and I will feed him cookies, and I will wrap him in blankets, and he will appreciate none of that (except the cookies) because he is a teenage boy. He is such an AMAZING example of sarcasm, sweetness, and strong spirit wrapped up in weakened body. He was by far my favorite part of this book and happily plays a significant role. (Yay for siblings playing a significant role!)
Can I just say how REFRESHING it is to have a popular YA book without raging hormones heavy makeout scenes? There is only one kiss and it’s actually well-timed and non-described. THANK YOU, Nadine Brandes
Forgiveness, humility, kindness, and courage are huge themes in this heartfelt book. The Romanov family are a beautiful example of love, and it was so so SO hard to read moments of their happiness, hope of rescue, and eventual tragedy.
Even so this book ends on hope, and I am left with a heart full of new friends.
Full disclosure: (view spoiler)[ If Alexei had died, I would have thrown this book across the room and loathed it for all eternity. But because he lived (and his cute lil dog as a bonus) I will hug it forever. (hide spoiler)]...more
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