Source: Netgalley- Many many thanks to the publisher!TL;DR: This was incredibly readable, short, and filled with joy. There was conflict and stakes but ultimately it felt joyful. Plot: Very similar to the source material - except it focuses on Oliver and his identity as the real conflictCharacters: True to the original, though no one had... Continue Reading →
Mislaid in Parts Half-Known by Seanan McGuire
Source: NetGalley - Many thanks to the publisher!TL;DR: It's starting to get old, and we genuinely need to return to our main cast. Plot: Meanders a bit to be honest. Returning to Antsy's world, with a short stint in Stephanie's (see cover). It felt very lacking for me.Characters: Antsy is fine, and we do get... Continue Reading →
Grievar’s Blood (Combat Codes #2) by Alexander Darwin
Source: Netgalley - Thank you to the publisher!TL;DR: A big improvement for me over book one! I really didn't want to put this one down! Plot: We follow both Cego at the academy and Sol out in the world itself as they both search for answers about their families (plus one mystery character I will... Continue Reading →
The Dragons of Deepwood Fen by Bradley P. Beaulieu
Source: Netgalley! Many thanks to the publisherTL;DR: While an absolute banger of an idea (and cover), the pacing on this made it a miss for me Plot: A complicated net of PoVs following the politics and scheming of the native folks called Kin, and the empire that rules them. Add dragons.Characters: The most disappointing part.... Continue Reading →
Spirit of the Wood by Kristen Britain
Source: Netgalley, thank you to the publisher!!TL;DR: An absolutely lovely novella for new and old readers about empathy and how life continues on. Plot: A new Green Rider has to keep his cold superior alive after an attack. They end up in a deep wood, and then magic!Characters: I loved the characters, and this as... Continue Reading →
Daughters of Izdihar by Hadeer Elsbai
Source: NetGalley - Thank you to the publisher!TL;DR: Another YA book marketed at adult readers. Definitely not my favorite read, if you want something with this setting and inspiration there are better books out there. Plot: Two girls, who naturally end up in a messy love triangle, and the fight for women's rights with the... Continue Reading →
Forged by Blood by Ehigbok Okosun
Source: NetGalley, Many thanks to the publisher!TL;DR: This isn't Adult Fantasy, this is exactly what you would expect out of YA Fantasy. Plot: Girl goes on journey in the middle of a love triangle. Betrayal, heartbreak, fated mates. Characters: The classic three - Revenge Girl, Childhood Friend Love Interest, and Sad Boy Love InterestSetting: This... Continue Reading →
Knock Knock Open Wide by Neil Sharpson
Source: NetGalley, thank you to the publisher!TL;DR: A really entertaining and creepy take on some classic Irish folklore. I really think it's worth a read! Plot: Alternating timelines and PoVs built a very interesting and spooky story.Characters: The interactions and characters were one of my favorite parts, I genuinely enjoyed them.Setting: The setting was very... Continue Reading →
Kiss a Spell by Celestine Martin
Source: NetGalley, thank you so much to the publisher - And I purchased a copy! Thanks me!TL;DR: A bit heavy on purple prose, but a fun story with a great redemption for Ursula Plot: Ursula is attempting to take back her life while Xavier breaks an enchantment. It was simple, and romance heavy.Characters: Ursula shone... Continue Reading →
The Corset & The Jellyfish: A Conundrum of Jellyfish by Nick Bantock
Source: Netgalley - Thank you to the publisher (genuinely I appreciate it but... what is this?)TL;DR: Uhhmm... No? Why? Plot: Can't find one hereCharacters: They didn't existSetting: Wherever your brain fog decides I supposeMagic: That's funny. The magic of confusion. Thoughts: I don’t even know where to begin with this one. The Corset & The... Continue Reading →