paper_elytra's reviews
400 reviews

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Brilliant magic system, exciting action and tense politics, smouldering romance all makes for a great read, but be warned, you'll want book two right away! 
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh

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adventurous hopeful mysterious medium-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

4.5

An excellent blend of mythology inspired romance and adventure. I love to see a female main character taking action and making realistic choices. While this did play with some tropes and archetypes, it still felt fresh and emotionally resonant. 
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The International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline Davies

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adventurous hopeful mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A determined and smart heroine, plus a haunted house, with a cast of eccentric professors and Ghosts! 
The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill

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adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Another lyrical and insightful story by Barnhill. 
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The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

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adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

A little predictable but still readable, and a few genuinely funny moments. 
The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-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

The conclusion of the Scholomance series. Compelling and powerful, El's furious railing against the inequalities of society and power is tempered with understanding and a willingness to take uncomfortable action. While moments of humour shine through, this installment has an emotional depth and complexity that shows how much the characters have grown. 
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Bryony and Roses by T. Kingfisher

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Excellent homage to Robin McKinley's Rose Daughter. Shorter of course, but with an interesting twist on Beauty as a gardener. 
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Mysteries of Thorn Manor by Margaret Rogerson

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A sweet little follow up to Sorcery of Thorns. 
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Intense and intricate, this book brings you right into a world full of danger. Political factions, old magic, and desire combine to make a gripping and thrilling read. Looking forward to reading the next one. 
Once More Upon a Time by Roshani Chokshi

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted 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

4.0

While it is very short, this novella is extremely charming and full of excellent moments of humour, tenderness, and adventure. I wish there were more of it!