I'm still reading this but I feel compelled to give a very clear content warning because the synopsis says only that the main character is dying, but I'm still reading this but I feel compelled to give a very clear content warning because the synopsis says only that the main character is dying, but not how: if you have any sensitivity to cancer, take great care going into the start of this....more
I went into this completely blind and honestly can’t remember what put it in my radar…thank you, universe. Isekai with a good helping of Magic Made MeI went into this completely blind and honestly can’t remember what put it in my radar…thank you, universe. Isekai with a good helping of Magic Made Me Do It (sort of) kicking off a gay romance? I’m here for it. ...more
This is a wonderfully engaging fantasy novella based on West African mythology. The world building is solid, our main character Ashâke is in turns symThis is a wonderfully engaging fantasy novella based on West African mythology. The world building is solid, our main character Ashâke is in turns sympathetic and stubborn, and the unfolding of the mystery of why the Orisha never spoke to Ashâke was great. Very excited for the follow up!...more
A decent story with some promise, though my enjoyment was tempered by the juvenile execution. The six POVs felt like too much, especially after they aA decent story with some promise, though my enjoyment was tempered by the juvenile execution. The six POVs felt like too much, especially after they all meet up half way through. Most everything else felt like trope after trope and not in a fun way.
Sora was the best character, honestly. She had a very interesting back story and motivations, and I think this story could have massively benefited from maybe being her own.
Not mad I read this, but not impressed either. At least the book is pretty....more
DNF @ 24%. This is a grand epic of a fantasy novel with many characters moving through a world that is undeniably thoroughly thought out. But I found DNF @ 24%. This is a grand epic of a fantasy novel with many characters moving through a world that is undeniably thoroughly thought out. But I found myself caring less and less as I went on, and while I was told and saw so much about every character we follow, I had no real idea who they were, nor did I feel a single thing for any single person.
As I read more Tchaikovsky, I'm finding that he's a big Ideas person and his characters exist to flesh out that Idea and World. I don't always vibe with it, but when I do (Elder Race) it really works for me. This didn't work, unfortunately....more
This is a super cute and endearing isekai. Though the setup is a bit weird (Myne’s obsession with books is…a lot), it’s fun seeing her acclimate to beThis is a super cute and endearing isekai. Though the setup is a bit weird (Myne’s obsession with books is…a lot), it’s fun seeing her acclimate to being reincarnated in a pre-literature world. Her family dealing with her new weirdness is adorable too. ...more
Super, super cute and exactly what I needed right now.
(view spoiler)[On a side note, I could not get past the sentient anthropomorphic vegetables groSuper, super cute and exactly what I needed right now.
(view spoiler)[On a side note, I could not get past the sentient anthropomorphic vegetables growing and selling non-sentient versions of themselves to humans to eat?? There is an explanation given but OMG. It felt like I was reading some Jordan Peele might have come up with. (hide spoiler)]...more
Now this is a fun dragon story that I can get behind.
This story follows Maddileh, a disgraced knight who decides that the only way to rehabilitate heNow this is a fun dragon story that I can get behind.
This story follows Maddileh, a disgraced knight who decides that the only way to rehabilitate her name and her image is to go into a dragon's lair to get a mythical sword called the Fireborne Blade. There's also a lot of magic here, as Maddie has a squire to assist her on the quest, and we also have a few flashbacks where she befriends a female mage.
The world building here is very solid. Interspersed throughout the novella are brief chapters that are essentially historical accounts of previous dragon slayings, showing how dangerous it is to do so, and discussing the myriad ways knights have died horribly. It builds up some great tension as we follow Maddie into the dragon's lair.
I won't say much else because there is a LOT more to the story beyond the synopsis that I found was a delight to discover as it unfolded. This was just FUN, and I'm so glad a sequel is already planned....more
Another great volume with a huge clash as our heroes finally meet Emperor Chagol. An action-heavy volume, with some interesting reveals about the DragAnother great volume with a huge clash as our heroes finally meet Emperor Chagol. An action-heavy volume, with some interesting reveals about the Dragons' past. I continue to love this series and damn myself for catching up so quickly. ...more
The political machinations happening while in the middle of a huge battle while also having massive emotional complexity amongst many characters...thiThe political machinations happening while in the middle of a huge battle while also having massive emotional complexity amongst many characters...this continues to be TOP TIER....more