Source: NetGalley, thank you to the publisher!TL;DR: An excellent follow-up to the second, and a very good setup for a third Plot: Emily & Wendell go on a search for the Nexus to find Wendell's door and happen to solve a few mysteries along the wayCharacters: I love Emily & Wendell quite a bit, but... Continue Reading →
After the Forest by Kell Woods
Source: NetGalley - My thanks, as always, to the wonderful publisher!TL;DR: A cold, disconnected story with a reactionary character, this was a frustrating read for me. Plot: Hans and Greta having grown up after the gingerbread. Misogyny, fancy red hair, and witchcraft!Characters: Hard pass on these guys, it was the greatest flaw for me. Cold... Continue Reading →
The Parliament by Aimee Pokwatka
Source: NetGalley - Many, many thanks to the publisher!TL;DR: A fascinating concept but the characters truly let this one down for me Plot: I really enjoyed the idea behind this one, trapped in a library due to murderous owls, but I'm not sure I'm sold on executionCharacters: Fairly flimsy? I never completely connected, either due... Continue Reading →
Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa
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 →