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thewiserslone's reviews
304 reviews
Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Overall well written with good plot twists and characters. I don’t think I would reread, but I enjoyed the world and plot. I think the pacing in the first half was way too slow, and the mystery was resolved a little too quickly. It’d make a great Netflix movie though.
To Hunt a Demon King by Madeleine Eliot
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.0
4 ⭐️
Well that was surprising. Very much felt like a 3.5 read most of the story: basic romantasy plot, lovable side characters, slightly naive FMC and mysterious MMC. Something about the book had me blowing my bedtime each night I was reading, so for pure enjoyment and interest, I’m popping it up to a 4 star.
I did call the ending, but I found the story interesting and I’m intrigued enough to see where the rest of the story goes that I ordered the other two books in the series.
The banter was really good, FMC was 25 years old (though I accidentally picked another Virgin book?? Back to back…) The spice was worth the payoff and the consent talk was sexy af.
Biggest con… author uses the term “folds” 💀
Well that was surprising. Very much felt like a 3.5 read most of the story: basic romantasy plot, lovable side characters, slightly naive FMC and mysterious MMC. Something about the book had me blowing my bedtime each night I was reading, so for pure enjoyment and interest, I’m popping it up to a 4 star.
I did call the ending, but I found the story interesting and I’m intrigued enough to see where the rest of the story goes that I ordered the other two books in the series.
The banter was really good, FMC was 25 years old (though I accidentally picked another Virgin book?? Back to back…) The spice was worth the payoff and the consent talk was sexy af.
Biggest con… author uses the term “folds” 💀
A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden
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
4.5
Next year might be when I start doing quarter stars, because this was a definite 4.25 read that I'm rounding up to 4.5 because I've committed to half starts this year lol.
Overall, nothing groundbreaking, and very comfortable for a romantasy. I can't figure out what the crack was in this book though, because this story was riddled with things that normally annoy me but I couldn't put it down. So for that alone, it's better than a normal 4 star read for me.
The good: Great banter between FMC and MMC, great side characters, kingdoms not based on seasons or time (the bar is on the ground lol)
The norm: Typical magic system, broody dark MMC, average pacing, hidden powers
The bad: After an action-packed start.. not much happened? The plot leaned heavily into character arcs until the last 15%, which was a lot of action and plot. Normally it makes the pacing feel slow, but I didn't hate it... but still nothing happened??
Secondly, this might seem nitpicky.. but some names are just off-limits in new stories, I think. The FMC in this book is named Arwen. There is only one Arwen in the world and we all know who she is. Arwen is forever off-limits. Would you name your MMC Frodo? No, you would not.
Also nitpicky, but the FMC was a virgin, which not to say there is anything wrong with that, but it seemed unnecessary (at least with the information we have so far). There's something about mentioning a character's virginity (she's 20 btw) that makes it feel fetishy to me, which is an ick. It was a mega slow burn that resulted in one whole chili pepper, and the next book better be spicier because Kate KNOWS what she did.
Now you would think a review where I wrote 3x as much of what I didn't like about the book, as what I did like about the book would mean I didn't like it. Loved it. Will happily read book 2 and just preordered it.
I can't make it make sense either.
Overall, nothing groundbreaking, and very comfortable for a romantasy. I can't figure out what the crack was in this book though, because this story was riddled with things that normally annoy me but I couldn't put it down. So for that alone, it's better than a normal 4 star read for me.
The good: Great banter between FMC and MMC, great side characters, kingdoms not based on seasons or time (the bar is on the ground lol)
The norm: Typical magic system, broody dark MMC, average pacing, hidden powers
The bad: After an action-packed start.. not much happened? The plot leaned heavily into character arcs until the last 15%, which was a lot of action and plot. Normally it makes the pacing feel slow, but I didn't hate it... but still nothing happened??
Secondly, this might seem nitpicky.. but some names are just off-limits in new stories, I think. The FMC in this book is named Arwen. There is only one Arwen in the world and we all know who she is. Arwen is forever off-limits. Would you name your MMC Frodo? No, you would not.
Also nitpicky, but the FMC was a virgin, which not to say there is anything wrong with that, but it seemed unnecessary (at least with the information we have so far). There's something about mentioning a character's virginity (she's 20 btw) that makes it feel fetishy to me, which is an ick. It was a mega slow burn that resulted in one whole chili pepper, and the next book better be spicier because Kate KNOWS what she did.
Now you would think a review where I wrote 3x as much of what I didn't like about the book, as what I did like about the book would mean I didn't like it. Loved it. Will happily read book 2 and just preordered it.
I can't make it make sense either.
A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Well, well, well… If it isn’t the consequences (a 3 star read) of my own actions (reading the third book in a series where I’d didn’t exceptionally like the first two).
I think my rating is a bit unfair and should be an outlier because this series is YA and I wanted it to be more. I will say though, this series felt even middle grade. I would give this series to a preteen and not even bat an eye.
Sucks for me, a grown ass adult, because the plot and world of this series is SO cool, which is why I wanted to read them so much. But sadly the characters and risks are just way too juvenile for me to feel any connection. If you’re in the air about reading this series and don’t normally vibe with YA, skip them.
I think my rating is a bit unfair and should be an outlier because this series is YA and I wanted it to be more. I will say though, this series felt even middle grade. I would give this series to a preteen and not even bat an eye.
Sucks for me, a grown ass adult, because the plot and world of this series is SO cool, which is why I wanted to read them so much. But sadly the characters and risks are just way too juvenile for me to feel any connection. If you’re in the air about reading this series and don’t normally vibe with YA, skip them.
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
4.5
If anyone is looking for the perfect dark, fall, rain-taping-the-window-while-you-read-by-candlelight story… this duology is for you. This writing of this book is so atmospheric, you feel yourself being swallowed up by the mists.
There is romance, but I would say it’s second to the super cool plot, magic system, and world building. I found myself more invested in the outcome of the main plot then in the development of the various relationships, which I would say was a plus for this book. There were additional POVs added to this book, and I really liked them.
I appreciate the succinct story of the duology, but I almost wish there was more!
There is romance, but I would say it’s second to the super cool plot, magic system, and world building. I found myself more invested in the outcome of the main plot then in the development of the various relationships, which I would say was a plus for this book. There were additional POVs added to this book, and I really liked them.
I appreciate the succinct story of the duology, but I almost wish there was more!
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
4.5
I think if Part 1 would have been written better, this would have been a 5 star read for me. The first part felt really juvenile with the angst and lack of communication. It’s not quite miscommunication troupe, but I loathe the “I’m not telling you for your own good” troupe, which this book was rampant with.
Once all the action started rolling into place, I was very hooked. I liked the closer focus on Violet’s squad. Xaden’s secrets were a little predictable, even the ones meant to be major plot twists. The ending was interesting though.
I am all here for rainbow Andarna though. Less angsty romance, more dragons!!
Once all the action started rolling into place, I was very hooked. I liked the closer focus on Violet’s squad. Xaden’s secrets were a little predictable, even the ones meant to be major plot twists. The ending was interesting though.
I am all here for rainbow Andarna though. Less angsty romance, more dragons!!
Heart of Silk and Shadows by Lisette Marshall
adventurous
emotional
tense
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
4.5
So much packed into a novella! I’m definitely glad I read this after the first three books, even though it’s a prequel. I think reading it before would spoil some of the plot of the main series.
I loved the amount of romance and character development crammed into this short book. I definitely have a new love and understanding for both of the main characters, and I think this was an awesome addition to the series. I need book 4!!
I loved the amount of romance and character development crammed into this short book. I definitely have a new love and understanding for both of the main characters, and I think this was an awesome addition to the series. I need book 4!!
The Sunlit Man by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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
4.5
This is one of those books that makes me wish I did quarter stars. My second favorite of the secret books, I would rank it higher than Tress (4 stars) and lower than Yumi (5 stars). Normally 4.5 stars is a book I can’t put down and deem as “near perfect,” which this book was not quite… but I do love the story and world building and I think it’s better than most of my 4 star reviews, so I’m giving a bonus half star.
To avoid spoilers, all I’ll say is this story ranked higher for me because once I figured out who the Sunlit Man was, I was invested in his journey and the outcome of the story. I enjoy Sanderson’s more fantasy focused books, and less on the sci-fi side. This book was a good mix of both genres, which is why I didn’t rate it higher for my own personal preferences.
To avoid spoilers, all I’ll say is this story ranked higher for me because once I figured out who the Sunlit Man was, I was invested in his journey and the outcome of the story. I enjoy Sanderson’s more fantasy focused books, and less on the sci-fi side. This book was a good mix of both genres, which is why I didn’t rate it higher for my own personal preferences.
Dragonfall by L.R. Lam
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This is one of those books I should have DNF’ed. The premise and start of the book was so interesting to me that I kept pushing though, hoping for a payoff. That did not happen. I had three issues with this book that prevented my enjoyment.
1- The perceived age of the characters. This is your classic centuries old and and modern young MCs. But they really read their ages, if not more extreme. Arcady feels really young, like YA young, and Everen felt like a crotchety old guy, which really weirded me out when the romance and sexual tension started. I know their age and appearances were mentioned, but their age from how I perceived them through their actions and dialogue was stronger than what I was told about them.
2- Switching narrative writing POV. I appreciate the risk the author took trying to make the unfolding of the story more interesting, but honestly it just added confusion and jarred me out of the story every time there was a POV change. First, second, third person… I don’t mind or prefer any which one, but I do prefer the *same* one throughout a story.
3- Super deep minor details, shallow plot. The author would go into extreme detail explaining something like wood grain on a window sill, or why dragons call something mundane by a particular name. But I found major elements of the world building and plot to be shallow or withheld for too long. Don’t get me wrong, you can withhold some info for a narrative plot twist, but it was painfully obvious that some points/facts were “hinted” at (more like deliberately dangled in front us of) just to not be mentioned again for 100 pages. Just didn’t flow well.
I won’t be continuing this series
1- The perceived age of the characters. This is your classic centuries old and and modern young MCs. But they really read their ages, if not more extreme. Arcady feels really young, like YA young, and Everen felt like a crotchety old guy, which really weirded me out when the romance and sexual tension started. I know their age and appearances were mentioned, but their age from how I perceived them through their actions and dialogue was stronger than what I was told about them.
2- Switching narrative writing POV. I appreciate the risk the author took trying to make the unfolding of the story more interesting, but honestly it just added confusion and jarred me out of the story every time there was a POV change. First, second, third person… I don’t mind or prefer any which one, but I do prefer the *same* one throughout a story.
3- Super deep minor details, shallow plot. The author would go into extreme detail explaining something like wood grain on a window sill, or why dragons call something mundane by a particular name. But I found major elements of the world building and plot to be shallow or withheld for too long. Don’t get me wrong, you can withhold some info for a narrative plot twist, but it was painfully obvious that some points/facts were “hinted” at (more like deliberately dangled in front us of) just to not be mentioned again for 100 pages. Just didn’t flow well.
I won’t be continuing this series
A Queen of Thieves & Chaos by K.A. Tucker
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
4.5
Somewhere between 4 - 4.5 stars
The world building expansion in this book was incredible. Lots of political machinations, lore building, and new creatures which I absolutely loved.
This book doubled the amount of POVs, which I have mixed feelings about. While it was interesting to see the plot develop from both sides, and I did really like the new POVs, I really missed the original 2 characters POVs, and they felt a little pushed aside. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more had the balance been in their favor— maybe 70% original POVs, 30% new or something. I totally get the need to expand the story from different geographical locations, but it made the reason I was invested in the original story (the OG MMC and FMC) wane a little. The new POVs contained most of the romance scenes, so I was also missing the OG couple’s relationship a bit.
Overall, still a great book, and one I was thoroughly invested in, especially that last 25-30%. I think it does have a little bit of “middle book syndrome” but I know it’s needed to set up future plot points. I’ll definitely be continuing this series.
The world building expansion in this book was incredible. Lots of political machinations, lore building, and new creatures which I absolutely loved.
This book doubled the amount of POVs, which I have mixed feelings about. While it was interesting to see the plot develop from both sides, and I did really like the new POVs, I really missed the original 2 characters POVs, and they felt a little pushed aside. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more had the balance been in their favor— maybe 70% original POVs, 30% new or something. I totally get the need to expand the story from different geographical locations, but it made the reason I was invested in the original story (the OG MMC and FMC) wane a little. The new POVs contained most of the romance scenes, so I was also missing the OG couple’s relationship a bit.
Overall, still a great book, and one I was thoroughly invested in, especially that last 25-30%. I think it does have a little bit of “middle book syndrome” but I know it’s needed to set up future plot points. I’ll definitely be continuing this series.