Scan barcode
madmadmaddymad's reviews
193 reviews
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is the best book I’ve read all year. I know it’s only April, but wow!
I have a funny story about why I chose to read this book. I’ve been obsessed with ACOTAR for a little over a year, in fact, the first fanfiction I read from the fandom had an author who was also writing fanfiction for this series. I enjoyed their fic so much I figured I ought to check out their other work, but I wanted to read the actual book first. LOL!
Anyway this book is nothing like ACOTAR. It’s intense, and magical, and mundane, and dark, and spooky, and I absolutely DEVOURED it, because somehow it was exactly what I wanted to read. I love the world building and the characters, Kell, and Rhy, especially Lila! Lila is a treasure, and deserves to be the star of her own show.
The villains were VILLAINS. I hated them and loved the impact they left on the story.
Just an incredible plot! Distinct, totally unique world building, and not in a confusing way. It’s kind of like Howl’s Moving Castle meets Marvel’s Dr. Strange with an ounce of The One Ring from LoTR. I love this book and kind of feel like immediately reading it again. 10-out-of-10.
I have a funny story about why I chose to read this book. I’ve been obsessed with ACOTAR for a little over a year, in fact, the first fanfiction I read from the fandom had an author who was also writing fanfiction for this series. I enjoyed their fic so much I figured I ought to check out their other work, but I wanted to read the actual book first. LOL!
Anyway this book is nothing like ACOTAR. It’s intense, and magical, and mundane, and dark, and spooky, and I absolutely DEVOURED it, because somehow it was exactly what I wanted to read. I love the world building and the characters, Kell, and Rhy, especially Lila! Lila is a treasure, and deserves to be the star of her own show.
The villains were VILLAINS. I hated them and loved the impact they left on the story.
Just an incredible plot! Distinct, totally unique world building, and not in a confusing way. It’s kind of like Howl’s Moving Castle meets Marvel’s Dr. Strange with an ounce of The One Ring from LoTR. I love this book and kind of feel like immediately reading it again. 10-out-of-10.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Minor: Sexual assault
These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I had a hard time getting into this one, it seemed to start extremely slow.
I did enjoy the legend of the firebird, and the ruthless aspect of taking a price for magic. It was spooky and unsettling at the beginning of the novel, and held it’s pace through to the very end.
Liked the sapphic elements, of course. I thought the sisters were both really well written. It was a good book, it just didn’t grab me and I can’t fault it for that.
I did enjoy the legend of the firebird, and the ruthless aspect of taking a price for magic. It was spooky and unsettling at the beginning of the novel, and held it’s pace through to the very end.
Liked the sapphic elements, of course. I thought the sisters were both really well written. It was a good book, it just didn’t grab me and I can’t fault it for that.
Zercy by Kora Knight
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Too kinky for me.
I made it to the point where the Krie were having a sex orgy with a bunch of nymphs in chapter 12.They pushed several live rodents into one nymph’s butthole. Oiled up so the creatures couldn’t climb back out.
Listen I really wanted to know if this human astronaut found love with this big alien, but, that pushed me into DNF territory, it was way too vivid and way too upsetting for me to continue.
I made it to the point where the Krie were having a sex orgy with a bunch of nymphs in chapter 12.
Listen I really wanted to know if this human astronaut found love with this big alien, but, that pushed me into DNF territory, it was way too vivid and way too upsetting for me to continue.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Sexual content
Not Your Ex's Hexes by April Asher
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Much better than the first one! Damien is a real heart throb, and I’m a sucker for fuck-buddies-to-lovers.
While the first book felt like the supernatural gimmick was tacked on as an afterthought, this book embraces the supernatural genre and lets itself have fun. It has a few witchy antics, supernatural things happening which actually have an effect on the plot, as well as a small Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer subplot that is an exceptionally good time.
While the first book felt like the supernatural gimmick was tacked on as an afterthought, this book embraces the supernatural genre and lets itself have fun. It has a few witchy antics, supernatural things happening which actually have an effect on the plot, as well as a small Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer subplot that is an exceptionally good time.
The Fae Keeper by H.E. Edgmon
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A shining sequel and an awesome conclusion to a duology!
LOVED the development of Briar’s character in this one, LOVED the relationship she explored with Wyatt. They were definitely toxic together but they still love each other so much.
I’ll never get enough of stories with explicitly queer characters who discuss and question sexuality and gender. My favorite part about this book? This series? It’s about a trans MC and his demisexual boyfriend, but it’s not ABOUT being trans and queer, ya feel me? It’s a fantastically satisfying magical fae adventure with all kinds of twists and turns. And man. Do I need more books like this one.
Wyatt and Emyr have earned their rest, but I will absolutely be checking out other works by this author.
LOVED the development of Briar’s character in this one, LOVED the relationship she explored with Wyatt. They were definitely toxic together but they still love each other so much.
I’ll never get enough of stories with explicitly queer characters who discuss and question sexuality and gender. My favorite part about this book? This series? It’s about a trans MC and his demisexual boyfriend, but it’s not ABOUT being trans and queer, ya feel me? It’s a fantastically satisfying magical fae adventure with all kinds of twists and turns. And man. Do I need more books like this one.
Wyatt and Emyr have earned their rest, but I will absolutely be checking out other works by this author.
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
challenging
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
5.0
I both loved and hated this book
I don’t think I ever had an opinion about the Death Penalty. My opinion now is that it is incredibly important to abolish. Our justice system is broken and shows favor to the wealthy and guilty over the poor and innocent.
I don’t think I ever had an opinion about the Death Penalty. My opinion now is that it is incredibly important to abolish. Our justice system is broken and shows favor to the wealthy and guilty over the poor and innocent.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Domestic abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
The Emperor's Edge by Lindsay Buroker
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is a steampunk adventure with high stakes from the first chapter.
It’s a relatively short read, but so jam-packed with action and intensity that I felt like i wouldn’t have minded if it had gone on for another 500 pages.
I found the cast extremely easy to love, and I loved their chaotic interactions with one another. It felt like found family meets a band of DND adventurers.
I found Sicarius, the stoic assassin, to be SO swoonworthy despite him being probably the most morally grey fictional man I’ve ever met.
It’s a relatively short read, but so jam-packed with action and intensity that I felt like i wouldn’t have minded if it had gone on for another 500 pages.
I found the cast extremely easy to love, and I loved their chaotic interactions with one another. It felt like found family meets a band of DND adventurers.
I found Sicarius, the stoic assassin, to be SO swoonworthy despite him being probably the most morally grey fictional man I’ve ever met.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Drug use and Medical trauma
Kríe Captivity by Kora Knight
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
What can I say?
It’s good smut
I did think it was a little on the nose that the magic sex fruit LOOKS LIKE AN EGGPLANT and TASTES LIKE A PEACH
Also, it’s a little uncomfy how the protagonist keeps referring to how straight he is, all the while thirsting after huge alien cock…. Sexuality can be a fluid thing, but it felt a little fetish-y for the author to keep insisting that he was a straight man having these very gay thoughts. Made me uncomfy as a reader. I just want my smut participants to be 100% consenting, lol. This isn’t an instance of dubcon because the author makes it clear that the Krie won’t penetrate a man who’s not willing, but STILL, it felt slightly offputting to me personally
Anyway, yes, I’m definitely gonna look up the sequel
It’s good smut
I did think it was a little on the nose that the magic sex fruit LOOKS LIKE AN EGGPLANT and TASTES LIKE A PEACH
Also, it’s a little uncomfy how the protagonist keeps referring to how straight he is, all the while thirsting after huge alien cock…. Sexuality can be a fluid thing, but it felt a little fetish-y for the author to keep insisting that he was a straight man having these very gay thoughts. Made me uncomfy as a reader. I just want my smut participants to be 100% consenting, lol. This isn’t an instance of dubcon because the author makes it clear that the Krie won’t penetrate a man who’s not willing, but STILL, it felt slightly offputting to me personally
Anyway, yes, I’m definitely gonna look up the sequel
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Slavery, and Torture
The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a fantastic book, chock full of adventure and high stakes, with a plucky trans protagonist and a dreamy love interest. It takes place in a world of fae and humans, and includes a subset of the fae race called witches that are more human in appearance - and more powerful than high born fae. Wyatt is a witch, and Emyr is his fae mate. But they met before Wyatt ran away to the human realm - and before he transitioned.
I LOVED the premise, the sheer adventure in this story, and being guided by a protagonist with such a fun sense of humor.
My favorite character is Briar, bi and ace best friend to Wyatt.At the end we find out what happens to witches who are dumped in the human realm. “We call ourselves changelings, actually.” She’s a witch too! I literally LOVED the reveal with Briar and it made me want to immediately grab the sequel to this book.
I LOVED the premise, the sheer adventure in this story, and being guided by a protagonist with such a fun sense of humor.
My favorite character is Briar, bi and ace best friend to Wyatt.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Deadnaming, Rape, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
It was kind of a bucket list read for me. I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf for YEARS.
Anyway; it’s wacky and absurd and very funny. When you read this book you will discover the answer of Life; the Universe, and Everything. Watch the Universe come to an end, and see it all come back around. Realize that the feeling that there’s something deeper going on is nothing more than perfectly normal paranoia, everyone has that.
I love the twists each new story brings. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a very solid standalone, and if you’ve seen the film, it does a pretty good job of covering the zany premise of the story in a 2 hour time slot. The real fun begins when we go to The Restaurant at the End of the Universe. The sequel expands upon the canon while keeping everything light. I also really enjoyed the third book, Life, the Universe, and Everything. My favorite bit was Arthur encountering Agrajag, (specifically the callback to the improbability drive and the bowl of petunias we met in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. I never expected to meet the consciousness from the bowl of petunias and have it become a major antagonist three books into a series. Incredible.)
The final two books in the series were difficult for me to get through. I’m not sure if I actually lost interest or if the zany, weird storytelling really started to grate on me after a while… but I just feel like I would have enjoyed this series JUST AS MUCH if I had never read them.
Anyway this is a classic for a reason, it’s very good, I don’t think the sequels are ever really available commercially unless you buy this omnibus so, I honestly still recommend checking it out!
Five stars for being a bright, hilarious, scientific, and still whimsical journey through the galaxy.
Anyway; it’s wacky and absurd and very funny. When you read this book you will discover the answer of Life; the Universe, and Everything. Watch the Universe come to an end, and see it all come back around. Realize that the feeling that there’s something deeper going on is nothing more than perfectly normal paranoia, everyone has that.
I love the twists each new story brings. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a very solid standalone, and if you’ve seen the film, it does a pretty good job of covering the zany premise of the story in a 2 hour time slot. The real fun begins when we go to The Restaurant at the End of the Universe. The sequel expands upon the canon while keeping everything light. I also really enjoyed the third book, Life, the Universe, and Everything. My favorite bit was Arthur encountering Agrajag, (specifically the callback to the improbability drive and the bowl of petunias we met in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. I never expected to meet the consciousness from the bowl of petunias and have it become a major antagonist three books into a series. Incredible.)
The final two books in the series were difficult for me to get through. I’m not sure if I actually lost interest or if the zany, weird storytelling really started to grate on me after a while… but I just feel like I would have enjoyed this series JUST AS MUCH if I had never read them.
Anyway this is a classic for a reason, it’s very good, I don’t think the sequels are ever really available commercially unless you buy this omnibus so, I honestly still recommend checking it out!
Five stars for being a bright, hilarious, scientific, and still whimsical journey through the galaxy.