On paper this sounds like just another vaguely Italian Renaissance fantasy, with the main character a "charming rogue and cardsharp" who is probably jOn paper this sounds like just another vaguely Italian Renaissance fantasy, with the main character a "charming rogue and cardsharp" who is probably just an asshole who keeps assuring women he's charming. BUT. I was so pleasantly surprised! I just kept thinking, This is very refreshing! (I've been reading a lot of horror fantasy.) This book was just . . . fun? Lukan is actually charming! He drinks too much, regrets it later, and then doesn't learn from his mistakes, women actually like him, but he's not a perv. He's from an aristocratic family, but poor, so he's not a spoiled brat. And his relationship with Flea? Adorable. I love a fairly competent protagonist with a hilarious sidekick! And there's MURDERS. And there's political INTRIGUE. And there's some magical beings that are extremely FREAKY.
*I am not rating books read for the World Fantasy Award.*...more
I haven't read the first one (I know, I know, I need to!) but this was able to stand on its own. Loved the aspect of "What if the local boogeyman is RI haven't read the first one (I know, I know, I need to!) but this was able to stand on its own. Loved the aspect of "What if the local boogeyman is REAL?" also the interesting play with gender and language. I basically have two horror writers I'll read: Kingfisher and Stephen Graham Jones. Otherwise, miss me with that nonsense.
*I am not rating books read for the World Fantasy Award.*...more
Heist novel with dragons! I was intrigued by how the dragons were very much in charge, but also not human in their thoughts. So it wasn't so much as tHeist novel with dragons! I was intrigued by how the dragons were very much in charge, but also not human in their thoughts. So it wasn't so much as they were ruling the humans as keeping their pets in line, which is pretty chilling, if you think about it.
I have to say, though: I super hated the concept of the "garden rings"- everyone over age 16 is wearing rings that indicate not just marital status, but their sexual preferences, and that . . . is no one's business, thanks!
*I am not rating books read for the World Fantasy Awards.*...more
So gooey, so gross, so . . . sweet? Can grimdark fantasy be cozy? This book posits that it can!
Shesheshen and Homily are so cute together, and honestSo gooey, so gross, so . . . sweet? Can grimdark fantasy be cozy? This book posits that it can!
Shesheshen and Homily are so cute together, and honestly, Shesheshen describing Homily as being so pleasingly big and solid was just really charming. ...more
Very cute and fantastical romcom with a fascinating mystery at its heart. I loved the idea of everyone in the magical world choosing their own fashionVery cute and fantastical romcom with a fascinating mystery at its heart. I loved the idea of everyone in the magical world choosing their own fashions: the women in sensible pantsuits vs. those dressed like it's a Ren Faire vs. the guys in jeans! Because: why not?
*I am not rating books read for the World Fantasy Award.*...more
At one point I was listening to this when I was the last person awake in my house, and I was like, What was I thinking?! This is a book that requires At one point I was listening to this when I was the last person awake in my house, and I was like, What was I thinking?! This is a book that requires full daylight and more people around!
Also, I was not expecting the direction that this haunted house story took.
*I am not rating books read for the World Fantasy Award.*
Gorgeous retelling of the story of the River Gunga from the Mahabarata. The writing is very stylish and I loved listening to the audiobook so I got thGorgeous retelling of the story of the River Gunga from the Mahabarata. The writing is very stylish and I loved listening to the audiobook so I got the correct pronunciation of the names.
*I will not be rating any books read for the World Fantasy Award.* ...more
On the line between YA and adult, actually, I would give this to an older teen who likes fantasy, although there is violence of the fighting with knivOn the line between YA and adult, actually, I would give this to an older teen who likes fantasy, although there is violence of the fighting with knives sort.
We have a fierce and undead female assassin being given an impossible contract: to assassinate a teenage girl who, well, I won't spoil it! It was fun and kept it all moving, and had a surprising ending.
*I am not rating any books read for the World Fantasy Award*...more
Did not think I would like this, because I am not the biggest fan of The Magicians, and I am very precious about King Arthur stories. But. Wow. This iDid not think I would like this, because I am not the biggest fan of The Magicians, and I am very precious about King Arthur stories. But. Wow. This is the best sequel to The Sword in the Stone I've ever come across! Also, the author's note was deeply fascinating.
*I am not rating books read for the World Fantasy Award.*...more
Gritty retelling of The Ballad of Mulan, with some little nods to the Disney movie that I quite enjoyed. Also, the audiobook is great, because I do noGritty retelling of The Ballad of Mulan, with some little nods to the Disney movie that I quite enjoyed. Also, the audiobook is great, because I do not speak Mandarin and it was good to hear the names pronounced correctly. (Although the physical book is GORGEOUS, with sprayed edges and look at that cover!)
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If you like The Magicians and that dark academia vibe, you'll go nuts for this! Magical elevators, hot guys, and a lush setting add to the fun. (Well,If you like The Magicians and that dark academia vibe, you'll go nuts for this! Magical elevators, hot guys, and a lush setting add to the fun. (Well, a mostly lush setting. Part of the book takes place in Ogden, Utah. Which made me snort every time it came up. I really don't think the author has ever been there.)
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This was someone's debut novel? It's not even fair! Imagine having your first book be this high concept fantasy about magical books and the psychopathThis was someone's debut novel? It's not even fair! Imagine having your first book be this high concept fantasy about magical books and the psychopaths who crave them? I loved Cassie and Izzy (who are NOT psychopaths), they felt so real and I loved their friendship. I feel like we could have explored the sexiness of a wealth Scottish man in possession of a magical library more, though. I mean, come on! His last name was even FOX.
*I am not rating books read for the World Fantasy Award.*...more
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