This fantasy novel plays with common tropes and turns them upside down. The protagonist that doesn’t take revenge and shirks her violent past, as wellThis fantasy novel plays with common tropes and turns them upside down. The protagonist that doesn’t take revenge and shirks her violent past, as well as looking at what’s after the quest versus the quest. I would have liked a bit more world building but it was refreshingly concise and I liked the pacing so take the suggestions for what it is worth from a non-author....more
A fun series that pulls from classic horror and mystery set in a Victorian world. The characters break the fourth wall and chat with the reader and eaA fun series that pulls from classic horror and mystery set in a Victorian world. The characters break the fourth wall and chat with the reader and each other about the writing process and social norms that don’t make sense to them such as what’s considered proper for a women. I didn’t think there was as much rambling between the characters in this book than book 2 but it was more focused. ...more
A fantastical romance that pays homage to Jane Eyre and has good character development and plot twists. At first I thought this is a Helen Keller storA fantastical romance that pays homage to Jane Eyre and has good character development and plot twists. At first I thought this is a Helen Keller story with a gothic setting, then I thought this is a fairy tale with the scary forest, then I made the Jane Eyre connection as the the author is critical of people focusing on beauty and materialism similar to Brontë being critical of Victorian society for putting too much emphasis on beauty. The main characters are similar too in occupations, self-reliance, outspokenness, overcoming trauma and more. I appreciate the author challenging stereotypes and creating characters with depth. ...more
What a terrific book! The author cleverly combines classic monster stories and makes them her own. She structures the book with characters who discussWhat a terrific book! The author cleverly combines classic monster stories and makes them her own. She structures the book with characters who discuss the writing process in a clever way revealing decisions on plot and craft that is very funny. Diana steals the show over and over. The audio book read by Kate Reading was well done - she’s one of my favorite readers....more
A fun fairy tale retold and morphed into its own story that made me think of Rumpelstiltskin. I listened to the audiobook and the author’s use of firsA fun fairy tale retold and morphed into its own story that made me think of Rumpelstiltskin. I listened to the audiobook and the author’s use of first person for the three characters in the book was confusing at times. The transitions weren’t always clear and I was frustrated a few times like I was swimming in air. A strong ending was satisfying....more
An entertaining book set in ancient India. The theme of power and its costs run through most of the plot. The two main male characters are similar in An entertaining book set in ancient India. The theme of power and its costs run through most of the plot. The two main male characters are similar in that they’re abusive and the escape plot got a bit dragged out, but there is plenty of action and character development with the women....more
Lots of action but the plot didn’t always make sense and the characters just betray each other. The villains are one dimensional. I kept waiting for mLots of action but the plot didn’t always make sense and the characters just betray each other. The villains are one dimensional. I kept waiting for more to happen....more
I like it when authors unite their main character with an anthropomorphic object that acts as a foil. In this story it is an AI and the main characterI like it when authors unite their main character with an anthropomorphic object that acts as a foil. In this story it is an AI and the main character, Christa, that provide comic relief in an apocryphal plot. The AI is a bloodthirsty, knowledgeable curmudgeon and the girl likes to not kill everything on site and laughs a lot. The monk that tells bad jokes had me snickering too. I love a good sci-fi book that makes me laugh while the protagonist is saving the world against impossible odds. Lots of twists and turns with great world building....more
I have read two of these author’s books and I can’t put them down. I like the world building, suspense, characters, and themes explored. The book has I have read two of these author’s books and I can’t put them down. I like the world building, suspense, characters, and themes explored. The book has a Victorian fantasy setting with a female protagonist that has the choice of being a sorceress and live in the mountains away from people alone or get married and wear a collar that means she can only do minor magic. The protagonist doesn’t like her choices in a patriarchal society and works with another woman trying to change societal norms. Very entertaining and I liked the end....more
The first line grabbed my attention but then it waned as the plot continued. Once the assassins are introduced I was absorbed into the plot again. TheThe first line grabbed my attention but then it waned as the plot continued. Once the assassins are introduced I was absorbed into the plot again. The author has some great lines that make you think. ...more
This was slow. I didn’t realize this was book 4. I think I should have read the first one as I needed more background for understanding the plot betteThis was slow. I didn’t realize this was book 4. I think I should have read the first one as I needed more background for understanding the plot better....more
A great conclusion to the Skyward series. The author has complex villains, plots, and strong character arcs. Spensa has PTSD or is depressed in the beA great conclusion to the Skyward series. The author has complex villains, plots, and strong character arcs. Spensa has PTSD or is depressed in the beginning of the story changing and growing as she works to save the world and herself. The plot shows how governments manipulate public opinion and the difference between inclusiveness and slavery....more
A fast, entertaining start but then a third of the way through background information is dumped on the reader as the gryphon is told what happened to A fast, entertaining start but then a third of the way through background information is dumped on the reader as the gryphon is told what happened to him. It slows down the plot too much....more
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